By Gideon Njoku
A former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, has disclosed why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, raided his homes and offices.
Salami, a Minister under the Government of late President Muhammadu Buhari has been in the custody of the EFCC for about two weeks after the Commission revoked an earlier administrative bail granted him.
Speaking through his Media Assistant, Mohammed Bello.Doka, Malami said his homes and offices in Kebbi and Abuja were raided by the Commission because he dared make public parts of the findings of an investigation of the EFCC, ordered under him, which allegedly indicted the incumbent Chairman, Ola Olukoyede who was then the Secretary.
In his citation of the findings, Malami referenced Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report.
The statement said the EFCC operatives who raided his homes and offices, allegedly, targeted the documents related to that chapter, without prior notice.
It described the action of the EFCC’ as “deeply alarming”, and noted that they amount to intimidation and retaliation, because he called on the EFCC chairman to recuse himself from his ongoing probe because of alleged bias which stems from the Salami Report.
Chapter 9 of the Salami report allegedly contains findings implicating senior EFCC officials, including the Olukoyede.
“We hereby place Nigerians and the international community on notice that any harm to our personnel or to Abubakar Malami, SAN, will be solely attributable to this pattern of conduct,” the statement warned.
It urged the media and the public to question the timing and justification of the raids, as well as the long-standing contention over Chapter 9. It, also, called on the civil society, professional bodies and human rights groups to demand the full release of the Salami report for transparency.
Among other things, Malami is being investigated by the EFCC for alleged abuse of office, money laundering, and issues related to Abacha loot recoveries.
The former Minister who is married to one of Buhari’s daughters has denied all allegations, insisting they are politically motivated.
A foundation member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, he has since resigned and joined the African Democratic Congress, ADC, under which he is aspiring to the office of the Governor.
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
