An Abuja court in the Federal Capital Territory has dismissed a bail application filed by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), challenging his detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC confirmed the decision in a statement released on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
According to the anti-graft agency, Justice Babangida Hassan of the FCT Court rejected Malami’s request for bail, allowing the commission to continue its investigation into several allegations of financial misconduct against him.
“Justice Babangida Hassan of the Abuja FCT Court dismissed the summons for bail filed by Malami against the EFCC.”
Although the court did not publicly explain the reasons for its ruling, the EFCC said the application was heard and formally dismissed.
The ruling comes as investigations into Malami’s activities while in office intensify.
Petitions submitted to the EFCC accuse him of involvement in an alleged $16.9 million legal fees scandal linked to the recovery of assets traced to late former military ruler, General Sani Abacha.
The allegations include claims of money laundering, abuse of office, and possession of assets believed to be beyond his legitimate income.
Based on these petitions, the EFCC reportedly filed an ex parte application before the FCT High Court, seeking an order to remand Malami and one of his associates, Temitope Isaac Adebayo, in custody for 14 days to allow for further investigation.
The EFCC disclosed that it received petitions from several civil society organisations, including the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Karlos Community Development and Empowerment Initiative, and Grassroot Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance (GAPAG).
The groups alleged that Malami authorised the payment of $16.9 million in legal fees to two individuals described as “new lawyers” for Abacha loot recovery, even though the work had allegedly already been done by foreign lawyers who had been fully paid by the Federal Government.
Malami has, however, accused the EFCC of acting with hidden motives. In a statement signed by his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, he claimed that EFCC operatives raided his offices and residences shortly after his camp referred to Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report.
Despite these allegations, the EFCC has maintained that its actions are based solely on law and evidence, and that investigations will continue.
