Malami’s office alleges rights violations, raises alarm over DSS detention

The Office of Abubakar Malami, SAN, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has raised concerns over what it described as coordinated actions by state agencies aimed at frustrating his right to fair hearing and effective legal defence in an ongoing case involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a recent statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, the office said although the Federal High Court granted Malami bail following charges filed by the EFCC, the anti-graft agency allegedly delayed the submission of his international passports to the court for about one week. The passports were listed as a key condition for the perfection of bail, and the delay, the statement said, prolonged his detention and hindered the execution of the court’s order.

The statement further alleged that shortly after Malami perfected his bail and was released from Kuje Custodial Centre, he was rearrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). According to the office, he was detained for five days without access to his lawyers or family members and was only allowed to meet his legal team on Friday after what it described as prolonged isolation and delays.

It said the detention coincided with a critical period in which Malami was expected to prepare and open his defence in an EFCC interim forfeiture proceeding before the Federal High Court. The denial of access to legal counsel during this period, the office argued, impaired his ability to consult with lawyers, prepare filings and give instructions.

The office described the sequence of events as a pattern in which arrest precedes investigation, with evidence allegedly sought after detention, a practice it said violates the rule of law and constitutionally guaranteed rights. It also expressed concern that the DSS appeared to be adopting a similar approach.

Emphasising the sanctity of judicial orders, the statement said bail granted by a court must be respected and should not be undermined through delays, rearrests or denial of access to legal representation. It warned that such actions could erode the authority of the courts and threaten fundamental human rights.

The office stated that Malami remains ready to defend himself in court and called on all state institutions to respect court orders, constitutional guarantees and the rule of law.