Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have clashed over a court order involving the handling of a high-profile corruption case.
The disagreement stems from a judgment delivered by a Federal High Court, which questioned the EFCC’s conduct in prosecuting the case. Malami accused the commission of disregarding due process and acting outside legal boundaries. He argued that the agency failed to follow proper legal advice from the Ministry of Justice, which, he said, led to procedural flaws.
However, the EFCC dismissed Malami’s claims, insisting that the agency acted within the law. Its spokesperson argued that the commission has a duty to act swiftly against financial crimes and does not need political clearance before proceeding with cases. He maintained that Malami’s position undermines the independence of anti-corruption efforts.
The clash has reignited concerns over the strained relationship between the Ministry of Justice and the EFCC during Malami’s tenure. Critics claim political interference often disrupted major corruption trials, weakening the credibility of the justice system.
Legal experts also expressed worry over conflicting interpretations of the court ruling. Some believe the order reinforces the need for inter-agency cooperation, while others say it highlights power struggles that stall justice.
Civil society groups have urged President Bola Tinubu to step in and strengthen institutional collaboration. They say Nigeria’s fight against corruption can only succeed if agencies respect legal boundaries and work with transparency. The presidency has not yet commented on the development.
