December 13, 2025 — Dalena Reporters
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has publicly criticized Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), over comments relating to bail conditions for suspects in high-profile corruption cases, asserting that the matter is strictly legal and not political.
In a statement released on Friday, EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren said that Malami’s remarks suggesting political interference in judicial processes were misplaced. The commission emphasized that the enforcement of bail conditions is a judicial matter, guided by the law, and that any assertion to the contrary undermines public understanding of the rule of law.
Uwujaren said: “The EFCC notes that allegations about bail conditions being political are unfounded. Every suspect or accused person must fulfill the legal requirements as stipulated by the court. Failure to do so will result in lawful enforcement measures.” He further added that EFCC has never meted out arbitrary enforcement and that all actions remain within the statutory mandate of the commission.
The statement comes after Malami, in a separate press briefing, questioned the conduct of certain judicial processes in ongoing EFCC cases, hinting at potential bias and suggesting that some suspects might have been treated unfairly. EFCC described such assertions as “misguided” and reiterated that the law does not recognize selective application or political consideration in the granting of bail.
Legal analysts note that the confrontation reflects the tense dynamics between the EFCC and the Ministry of Justice, particularly regarding high-stakes prosecutions involving politically exposed persons. While the EFCC operates independently, the Attorney-General maintains oversight over federal prosecutions, often leading to public disagreements on procedural interpretations.
The EFCC assured the public that it remains committed to prosecuting financial crimes without fear or favor and that all accused persons are subject to the same legal standards, regardless of position or influence. The commission called on all stakeholders, including government officials, to respect judicial processes and avoid public commentary that may misrepresent ongoing legal procedures.
This exchange underscores ongoing debates over rule of law, political interference, and judicial independence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption landscape, highlighting the delicate balance between prosecutorial authority and ministerial oversight.