Malami Accuses DSS, EFCC of Obstructing Legal Defence, Alleges Rights Violations

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has raised alarm over what his office described as deliberate attempts by security agencies to frustrate his constitutional right to a fair hearing and effective legal defence.

In a statement signed by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Malami, the former AGF accused the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of actions that undermined a valid court order and obstructed his legal preparations in an ongoing interim forfeiture case.

The statement alleged that the EFCC delayed the submission of Malami’s international passports to the Federal High Court for about a week, despite the documents being a key requirement for the perfection of his bail. According to the statement, the delay prolonged Malami’s detention unnecessarily and hindered the execution of the court’s bail order.

Shortly after being released from the Kuje Custodial Centre upon perfecting his bail, Malami was reportedly rearrested by the DSS and detained for five days without access to his lawyers or family. The statement noted that he was only allowed to meet his legal team after prolonged isolation, which the office described as a violation of his fundamental rights.

“The detention occurred at a critical stage when he was required to prepare his defence in an EFCC interim forfeiture proceeding before the Federal High Court. Denying him access to counsel impaired his ability to consult and give instructions,” the statement said.

Doka further alleged a troubling pattern, asserting that “arrest precedes investigation, with evidence sought after detention,” and warned that such practices undermine the authority of the judiciary and pose a serious threat to the rule of law.

“The office stresses that bail granted by a court must have meaning. No agency should be permitted to neutralise judicial orders through coordinated delays, rearrests, or denial of access to legal representation,” he added.

Malami’s office affirmed that the former AGF remains ready to defend himself in court and urged all state institutions to respect court orders, constitutional guarantees, and the rule of law.