Youth groups in Kebbi State on Saturday staged a peaceful protest in Birnin Kebbi, calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

The protesters described Malami’s continued stay in EFCC custody as unjustified and unnecessarily prolonged, despite what they said was an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct during his tenure in office.

Malami, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been in the custody of the anti-graft agency since early December after reportedly failing to meet administrative bail conditions granted to him.

Investigations by the EFCC are said to border on the management of recovered Abacha loot, alleged abuse of office and other financial-related matters.
However, Malami and his supporters have consistently denied the allegations, insisting that the probe is politically motivated.

They linked the investigation to his recent political activities, including his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The protest comes amid growing tension, with Malami’s camp accusing the EFCC of bias and demanding that the commission’s chairman recuse himself from the case.

Meanwhile, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had earlier upheld Malami’s detention, dismissing his bail application.

Supporters of the former minister argue that he should either be formally charged to court or released, citing constitutional provisions against unlawful detention.

The EFCC has, however, dismissed claims of political persecution, maintaining that its actions are guided strictly by the law and due process.