A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has upheld the continued detention of Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Babangida Hassan, on Thursday, dismissed a bail summons filed by Malami challenging his detention by the anti-graft agency.
In a statement, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the ruling was delivered on December 18, 2025. Malami, through his counsel, Suliaman Hassan (SAN), had asked the court to grant him bail, arguing that his detention during an ongoing investigation was illegal.
However, EFCC counsel, J. S. Okutepa (SAN), told the court that Malami was being held based on a valid remand order issued by the FCT High Court and granted by Justice S. C. Oriji.
Oyewale said Justice Hassan, citing Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), held that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act permits lawful detention under a court-issued remand order.
“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 this court has no power to do,” the judge said.
Malami has been in EFCC custody since December 8 after failing to meet the bail conditions set by the commission. He is being investigated for 18 alleged offences, including abuse of office and terrorism financing.
The EFCC has confirmed searches of his homes and offices in Abuja and Kebbi State, while Malami has accused the agency of bias in its investigation.