Behind Closed Doors: Sowore Reveals Alleged Moves By Malami

Former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore has weighed in on the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, criticizing both men over their ongoing legal troubles.

El-Rufai and Malami are currently under investigation by Nigerian authorities over alleged corruption and security-related offences.

On Monday, El-Rufai’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, revealed that the former governor experienced a nosebleed while in custody. He also claimed that officials barred El-Rufai’s wife from personally delivering food to him on February 17.

El-Rufai had honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and presented himself at the agency’s headquarters on February 16. Two days later, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) reportedly took over his custody after his release from the EFCC.

Both agencies are probing alleged financial irregularities during El-Rufai’s time in office between 2015 and 2023. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly accused him of mismanaging N423 billion and engaging in money laundering, and called for a full investigation.

Malami, on his part, is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of illegal firearm possession and terrorism financing.

Reacting to the situation, Sowore claimed that Malami had contacted him and his legal team seeking assistance.

“Malami sent people to me and our lawyer to come and bring him out. He suddenly realised that we are the most credible people around. I’m sure El-Rufai must also be looking for a way to reach out now, because all this talk about a bleeding nose seems aimed at gaining sympathy,” he said.

Sowore added that while he was not dismissing the health concern, authorities should ensure El-Rufai receives proper medical care. He suggested that the former governor could even be treated at a hospital he built in Kaduna.

He also urged public office holders to improve prison conditions, noting that they too could one day find themselves in custody.

“If you are in power in this country — governor, head of state, president, vice president, senator — you should fix the prisons in case you end up there,” he stated.

Although he said he does not support injustice against anyone, Sowore argued that both men are now confronting the consequences of a system they once helped shape.

“I’m surprised his nose is bleeding at the ICPC. When did it start? Was it bleeding when he was governor? Still, I’m not making fun of him because I don’t support impunity against anyone.

“But even as we condemn injustice, we must remember that these are the same individuals who built the system that is now turning against them,” he added.