Odinkalu slams Malami over EFCC claims, says agency acting on his playbook

Former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chidi Odinkalu, has criticised Abubakar Malami, a former attorney-general of the federation, over his allegation that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is being used for political purposes.

In a post on X on Sunday, Odinkalu dismissed Malami’s claims, describing his tenure as attorney-general as deeply politicised. He argued that Malami lacked the moral authority to complain about the conduct of the anti-graft agency, insisting that the EFCC was merely operating in line with precedents set during Malami’s time in office.

Odinkalu said Malami should refrain from further public commentary, noting that his actions as attorney-general helped entrench the very practices he now condemns. According to him, if Malami believes the EFCC is acting politically, it is because the agency is following the example he provided.

The comments followed Malami’s assertion that the EFCC revoked his bail because he attended a political gathering in Kebbi State. The former minister had accused the commission of targeting him for political reasons.

However, the EFCC rejected the allegation, stating that Malami failed to meet the five conditions attached to his provisional bail. The commission described his claims as untenable and maintained that it remains an apolitical institution.

The EFCC urged Malami to concentrate on fulfilling his bail conditions rather than making what it termed baseless accusations. It also reiterated that its actions were strictly in line with due process.

Malami is currently under investigation over 18 alleged offences, including money laundering, abuse of office and terrorism financing. He has denied breaching any of the conditions attached to his bail.