The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court on Thursday, December 18, upheld the detention of former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Malami had approached the court seeking bail, claiming that his continued detention during the commission’s ongoing investigation was unlawful.
He was represented by his lawyer, Dr. Suliaman Hassan, who argued that his client’s detention was illegal.
EFCC counsel, Chief J.S. Okutepa, told the court that Malami’s detention was based on a valid remand order previously issued by Justice S.C. Oriji of the FCT high court.
Okutepa emphasized that the commission strictly adheres to legal procedures and does not hold suspects beyond the period authorized by the court.
In delivering the ruling, Justice Babangida Hassan referenced section 35 of the constitution and provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), noting that the detention was lawful.
He stated that granting the bail application would amount to the court acting as an appellate body over a coordinate court, which it has no authority to do.
Malami has been held in EFCC custody since 8th December, having failed to satisfy the bail requirements set by the anti-graft agency.
He is being investigated in connection with 18 offences, which include claims of abuse of office and financing terrorism.
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