- Adeyanju Dismisses Malami’s Persecution Claims, Backs EFCC Probe.
- He dismissed Malami’s claims of persecution and political vendetta.
- Malami accused EFCC leadership of bias and unlawful treatment.
Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to proceed with a full investigation and prosecution of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, over issues linked to the Abacha loot.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Two Dead, 10 Injured in Road Crash Along Ikorodu Road
- ‘₦739 Petrol Price Begins Tuesday’ – Dangote Assures Nigerians
- NAF Destroys Terrorist Logistics Hub in Southern Tumbuns Air Strike
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Adeyanju dismissed Malami’s claims of persecution, insisting that the anti graft agency must ignore what he described as attempts to deflect accountability. He was reacting to Malami’s recent statement accusing the leadership of the EFCC of “deep seated historical animosity” and “personal vendetta” following his defection to the African Democratic Congress.
Describing Malami’s counter attack as unfortunate, Adeyanju maintained that the EFCC has a clear responsibility to probe the former minister’s tenure, particularly his handling of recovered public funds.
“The EFCC should proceed without hesitation to investigate Mr. Malami, particularly in relation to his stewardship while in office of all issues surrounding the Abacha loot,” Adeyanju said.
He stressed that public office carries an obligation of transparency, adding that former and serving officials must be ready to account for their actions in office.
“Public office is a trust, and all past and present public officials must be prepared to give a full account of how that trust was exercised,” he stated.
Adeyanju also rejected Malami’s posture of victimisation, arguing that the former AGF wielded state power aggressively while in office.
“Malami showed no restraint while in government and wielded state power against everyone including members of the opposition. Having subjected others to prosecution, he cannot now escape from the same process,” Adeyanju added.
His comments came hours after Malami demanded that the EFCC either arraign him within 24 hours or release him, citing constitutional provisions against unlawful detention.
Malami had also called for the recusal of the EFCC Chairman from the investigation, alleging that the probe involved “illegal detention, media harassment and procedural abuse,” and was driven by political motives tied to his defection.
“I have been clearly pre judged and cannot receive a fair, objective or lawful investigation under the current leadership of the EFCC,” Malami said.
The EFCC had earlier confirmed Malami’s detention over alleged failure to meet administrative bail conditions, while denying claims of political persecution and insisting its actions are guided strictly by law.
