Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to focus on addressing corruption allegations against him rather than advancing accusations of bias and political persecution against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The statement comes as the anti-graft agency continues its investigation into multiple alleged offences involving Malami.
In a strongly worded release on December 21, 2025, HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju urged Malami to submit himself fully to the legal process and refrain from rhetoric that could distract public attention from substantive issues. The civil society organisation described claims that the EFCC’s leadership is biased or politically motivated as attempts to shift focus from the core allegations of corruption, abuse of office and other serious charges currently under scrutiny.
HEDA’s statement was issued in response to public remarks attributed to Malami in which he called for the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to step aside from the investigation, alleging that the probe was tainted by personal animosity and political persecution. Malami, who has been the subject of petitions and legal challenges, has asserted that the anti-graft agency’s actions are politically driven and compromise his right to fair treatment.
The organisation highlighted long-standing public demand for transparency surrounding the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, a panel instituted to examine alleged abuses within the EFCC during Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General. HEDA noted that despite the panel’s work concluding some time ago, the report was never released or gazetted, raising questions about the credibility of both the commission and the government’s handling of the matter. It argued that continued secrecy has eroded public confidence and undermined claims that current criticisms are rooted in a genuine pursuit of institutional integrity.
HEDA’s critique further pointed out that several high-profile figures who were invited or implicated by the Salami panel, including former EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu and senior legal personality Rotimi Oyedepo, went on to advance in their careers, reinforcing public perceptions that the inquiry targeted individuals rather than delivering meaningful institutional reforms. The organisation said this context weakens the basis for Malami’s current assertions that the present investigation is a vendetta aimed at specific individuals.
The anti-corruption group emphasised that accountability should take precedence over political considerations or personal grievances, urging Malami and other figures facing allegations to engage the legal process proactively and transparently. It warned that undermining anti-graft institutions through public accusations of bias could erode national efforts to combat corruption, which remains a central challenge for Nigeria’s governance and economic development.
HEDA’s intervention adds to a broader national debate over the role and independence of the EFCC, with political figures, civil society and advocacy groups expressing differing views on the impartiality of anti-corruption enforcement. Critics, including some opposition leaders, have accused anti-graft bodies of selective prosecution or political targeting — concerns echoed in separate statements by figures such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and others who have warned that perceived politicisation could weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
In contrast, the EFCC has publicly dismissed claims of bias. In a recent response to Malami’s assertions, the commission clarified that his bail was not revoked because of political activities, and reiterated that Malami’s failure to meet specified bail conditions was central to the ongoing detention. The agency maintained that its operations are apolitical and statutory in nature, urging suspects to comply with legal processes rather than engage in public contestation of enforcement actions.
As legal proceedings continue, HEDA’s statement reflects the stance of civil society organisations advocating for rule-based governance, institutional integrity and transparency in prosecuting corruption allegations, while urging public figures to avoid narratives perceived to undermine these principles.
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