Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, has dismissed the suggestion that he’s on the run, trying to escape prosecution.
The former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, has urged those making such suggestions to bury the thought.
Not a few Nigerians have demanded the arrest and prosecution of the former number-one law officer in the country, for allegedly abusing his office, particularly, following the suspension and arrest of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abudulrasheed Bawa, by the federal government.
Bawa was suspended on Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu and was later arrested for interrogation by the Department of State Services, DSS.
He’s facing allegations bordering on corruption and abuse of office, which Malami is believed to be privy to as AGF.
For instance, the EFCC is said to have shielded some government officials from prosecution on the order of Malami, who has also been accused of soiling his hands while in office.
A case in mind, those familiar with the issue said, is the alleged loss of over $2.4 billion in revenue from the illegal sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil export in 2015, for which close sources in EFCC said the former minister has now been invited to shed lights on.
Responding Malami told Daily Trust on Thursday that he will make himself available for interrogation anytime, adding that he has not fled the country.
There is no such plan to flee the country anytime, the former minister said.
According to him, “I have not been invited by the EFCC or any other anti-corruption agency in Nigeria. I’m available in Nigeria and attending a wedding Fatiha slated for 2.30 at Sheikh Isiyaka Rabi’u Mosque, Kano, tomorrow (today).
“I have no plan of leaving Nigeria and I will gladly honour any invitation extended to me by any agency of government. I’m a true Nigerian and I believe in the Nigerian project.
“I will make myself available to Nigeria and its institutions on demand.”
As the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Malami was believed to have scuttled some high-profile corruption cases against high-profile government officials, capitalizing on his closeness to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Not a few Nigerians insist that he should answer for such alleged disservice to the country if he’s found guilty.
