Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has accused the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of orchestrating a politically motivated witch-hunt against him, describing his ongoing detention and investigation as an act of personal vendetta rooted in events that occurred during his tenure in office.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami alleged that the EFCC Chairman was previously implicated in the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Federal Government while he served as Attorney-General.

According to Malami, the commission, established to probe allegations of corruption and abuse of office within the EFCC, made adverse findings against the current EFCC Chairman, who at the time served as Secretary to the Commission.

He noted that the Salami Report, which is in the public domain, particularly Chapter Nine, allegedly recommended possible prosecution of the EFCC Chairman.

Malami argued that this historical episode has now resurfaced in the form of what he described as retaliatory persecution, following his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He claimed that the EFCC’s actions, including what he termed illegal detention, media trial and procedural abuses, were driven more by personal animosity than by genuine law enforcement considerations.

“The circumstances clearly show that I have been pre-judged and cannot receive a fair, objective or lawful investigation under the current leadership of the EFCC,” Malami stated.

He consequently called on the EFCC Chairman to recuse himself from the investigation and urged the Attorney-General of the Federation to intervene by transferring the matter to another appropriate law enforcement agency, in order to safeguard the integrity of the process and public confidence in anti-corruption institutions.

Malami also demanded either his immediate arraignment or release, insisting that any continued detention without charge violates Sections 35(3), (4) and (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He maintained that only a court of competent jurisdiction, not an “allegedly compromised agency,” can lawfully adjudicate the matter.

In a further allegation, the former Attorney-General accused the EFCC of attempting to rely on individuals convicted by foreign courts and currently serving criminal sentences abroad as witnesses against him, describing the move as an abuse of process and an affront to the criminal justice system.

He disclosed that his legal team had formally requested Certified True Copies (CTCs) of petitions allegedly written against him, as well as the EFCC’s investigation report, which he said were essential to preparing his defence.

Malami stressed that he was not seeking political accommodation or compromise, but a transparent judicial process to clear his name.

“Nigeria must not become a country where anti-corruption agencies are weaponised for political or personal vendetta,” the statement said, adding that the rule of law must prevail above power and politics.