The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has dismissed a summons for bail filed by the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Presiding judge Justice Babangida Hassan delivered the ruling on Thursday, affirming that the former minister’s current detention is lawful and grounded in established legal procedures.
Malami, represented by his counsel, Suliaman Hassan, had approached the court to challenge his detention, arguing that the EFCC’s actions during its ongoing investigation were illegal.
READ ALSO: Tinubu commends EFCC leadership for asset recovery, conviction figures
He sought immediate bail, citing his right to personal liberty.
However, the EFCC’s lead counsel, J.S. Okutepa countered these claims by presenting evidence of a valid Remand Order.
The order was previously granted by another FCT High Court judge, Justice S.C. Oriji, authorizing the Commission to hold the suspect while investigations continue.
Okutepa emphasised that the EFCC had acted strictly within the law and would not hold a suspect beyond the period permitted by a court order.
In his decision, Justice Hassan cited Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which provides the framework for lawful detention through court-issued remand orders.
The judge clarified that his court does not have the authority to overturn an order made by a judge of equal standing.
“Asking this court to grant this application is tantamount to inviting the court to sit as an appellate court over an application made by a court of coordinate jurisdiction, which the court has no power to do,” Justice Hassan held.
Malami has been in EFCC custody since December 8, 2025.
READ ALSO: Rivers Chief Judge vows continued judiciary support for EFCC
The former Attorney-General is reportedly being investigated over allegations involving money laundering, abuse of office, and the management of recovered assets.
While Malami has described the allegations as “baseless,” the court’s refusal to grant bail means he will remain in the Commission’s custody for the duration specified in the existing remand order.
