THE Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has dismissed claims that the ongoing prosecution of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, is driven by personal animosity or political considerations, insisting that the case was inherited upon his assumption of office.
Olukoyede made the clarification on Sunday during an interview on Channels Television monitored by News Point Nigeria, where he addressed growing public speculation over the EFCC’s decision to arraign the former justice minister on corruption-related charges.
According to the EFCC chairman, investigations into Malami’s alleged financial impropriety were initiated long before his appointment, stressing that the commission is legally bound to pursue all credible cases regardless of the personalities involved.
“I have nothing personal against Malami. I met those files on ground. These are inherited cases,” Olukoyede said.
He emphasized that the EFCC operates strictly as an institution governed by law and due process, not personal sentiment or selective enforcement.
“The EFCC is an institution, and it does not operate on sentiments or personal interests. Once there is a case file and sufficient grounds to proceed, we are obligated to follow due process,” he stated.
Olukoyede further explained that continuity is central to the mandate of the anti-graft agency, noting that a change in leadership does not invalidate investigations or ongoing prosecutions.
“When you come into an office like this, you inherit assets and liabilities. You also inherit investigations. The law does not allow us to pick and choose who to investigate or prosecute based on personal relationships,” he added.
In December 2025, the EFCC arraigned Malami before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations bordering on money laundering and other financial crimes.
The former attorney-general was docked alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Bashir Asabe, in connection with the case.
The trio is facing a 16-count charge filed by the EFCC, which centres on allegations of unlawful acquisition of assets, diversion of public funds, and laundering of proceeds suspected to have been obtained through corrupt practices during Malami’s tenure as Nigeria’s chief law officer between 2015 and 2023.
At his arraignment, Malami pleaded not guilty to all charges. His legal team subsequently described the prosecution as politically motivated and vowed to vigorously challenge the case in court.
However, Olukoyede firmly rejected claims of a witch-hunt, insisting that the EFCC’s actions are guided strictly by evidence and the rule of law.
“We do not prosecute people because of politics. We prosecute cases. The courts are there to determine innocence or guilt,” the EFCC chairman said.
He assured Nigerians that the commission remains committed to transparency, fairness, and accountability, adding that all suspects regardless of status, influence, or previous office held—would be treated equally within the confines of the law.
The trial has since been adjourned by the Federal High Court to a later date for the commencement of proceedings, as the legal process continues.