ENUGU, NIGERIA (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations of political witch-hunt in its investigation of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, insisting that the probe is non-partisan and predates the current leadership of the commission.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, stated this in an interview with Channels Television, where he said the commission’s actions were guided strictly by professionalism and the rule of law, not political considerations.
According to Olukoyede, the investigation into Malami had been ongoing long before he assumed office, stressing that there was nothing personal about the case.
“Let me tell you about that particular former attorney-general that you are talking about, there is nothing personal in this matter. If Nigeria is to move forward, all of us must agree that this fight must be fought without being partisan,” he said.
The EFCC boss explained that although he reviewed the case file after assuming office, his role was limited to ensuring that investigations were conducted thoroughly and professionally.
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“The investigation of this man predates me in office. The file was not opened under me. I inherited it, and for over two years we have been painstakingly carrying out the investigation, trying to establish some of these offences,” Olukoyede said.
He added that the commission only proceeded to court after it was convinced that it had a strong and watertight case.
“He has been under investigation for almost two and a half years. Not until I was convinced that we had a watertight case did we move forward. There is nothing personal about it. I don’t understand the issue of persecution,” he said.
The EFCC recently arraigned Malami, alongside his wife and son, on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering.
On January 7, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties, who must own landed property in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarinpa, Abuja. The court also ordered them to deposit their travel documents.
Reacting earlier, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State had accused the EFCC of political victimisation and witch-hunting in the prosecution of Malami.
However, Olukoyede maintained that the commission enforces the law without bias, stressing that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.