A significant controversy has erupted regarding the revocation of bail for Mallam Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation, with conflicting narratives from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Both the ADC and Atiku Abubakar have vehemently accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the EFCC of politically motivated actions, claiming that Malami’s bail was revoked solely because of his attendance at a political gathering in his home state of Kebbi.

The ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, asserted that available evidence indicates Malami did not violate any legal conditions of his initial bail. The party emphasized Malami’s stature as a senior lawyer and former number one law officer, suggesting he understands the implications of bail violations. They argued that linking his political activities, specifically his governorship ambition in Kebbi, to the bail revocation points to an agenda aimed at curtailing his political rights rather than enforcing legal statutes. The ADC further criticized the EFCC for what it perceived as restrictions on Malami’s political activities, stating that no government agency holds the constitutional authority to suspend political rights or dictate how citizens exercise their political interests. They concluded that the restriction, specifically to Kebbi State, strongly suggests the EFCC’s real objective is to cripple Malami’s political ambition in that state.

Echoing these sentiments, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also alleged that the EFCC is transforming law enforcement into a political instrument, turning the anti-graft campaign into a “full-blown political witch-hunt.” He claimed the agency is deviating from its founding principles by weaponizing its powers to serve narrow political agendas, thereby rendering its credibility suspect. Both Atiku and the ADC reaffirmed their support for genuine anti-corruption efforts but warned that selective investigations against opposition leaders undermine the fight against corruption, giving the impression that the EFCC acts as a “gladiator in the political arena rather than an impartial warrior against financial malpractice.” The ADC demanded Malami’s immediate release on bail, without conditions that stifle his political rights, affirming their belief in his innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.

In a direct rebuttal, the EFCC, through its spokesperson Dele Oyewale, vehemently denied all claims of political motivation, insisting that Malami’s continued detention stemmed exclusively from his failure to meet five specific conditions attached to his provisional administrative bail. The anti-graft agency stated that the matter has nothing to do with politics, media appearances, or political activities, dismissing these claims as “misleading narratives.” The EFCC clarified that administrative bail is a discretionary and temporary relief, not an entitlement, granted pending investigation and potential arraignment.

According to the EFCC, Malami was offered provisional bail after a brief interrogation on November 28, 2025, with five specific requirements, none of which he has met. He was reportedly due back for further interrogation on December 1, 2025, but subsequently pleaded for an adjournment on December 4, 2025, citing “ill-health.” The Commission stated it compassionately granted this plea despite his unmet bail conditions. However, the EFCC emphasized that Malami failed to provide a medical report or credible proof of his alleged ill-health. Consequently, he was re-invited on December 8, 2025, for further interrogation and detained until the pending bail conditions are met. The EFCC deemed Malami’s claims of bail revocation as “untenable” and called insinuations that it barred him from media interviews or political activities in Kebbi State “ridiculous,” asserting its apolitical stance and lack of interest in suspects’ political affiliations. The Commission advised Malami to focus on meeting the bail conditions he acknowledged and signed on November 28, 2025, and to cooperate with interrogators instead of generating false claims in the media. It was also revealed that Malami is being probed for 18 alleged offenses, including money laundering, abuse of office, and terrorism financing.