By Yarima Haruna, Birnin Kebbi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been accused of waging a personal vendetta against former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami following his release of a statement addressing Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report.
The report, which has been shrouded in mystery, allegedly implicates EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede in several financial irregularities and abuse of office. Malami’s office claims that the EFCC’s recent raids on his offices and private residences in Abuja and Kebbi State are a direct response to his public call for Olukoyede’s recusal due to alleged bias.
The raids, which were unannounced, targeted documents linked to Chapter 9 of the report, raising concerns about intimidation, retaliation, and the safety of Malami and his staff. Malami’s office has described the EFCC’s actions as “coordinated intimidation” and a clear attempt to suppress the truth.
According to sources, Chapter 9 of the Ayo Salami Commission of Inquiry Report contains damning allegations against Olukoyede, including financial impropriety, abuse of office, and obstruction of justice.
The report allegedly reveals that Olukoyede was involved in several shady deals, including the award of lucrative contracts to his associates and family members Doka added.
Malami’s office claims that the EFCC’s actions are a desperate attempt to silence him and prevent the release of the full report. “The EFCC’s actions are a clear indication that they have something to hide,” said Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami’s Special Assistant on Media. “We will not be intimidated or silenced. We will continue to fight for transparency and accountability.”
The EFCC, however, has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the raids were part of an ongoing investigation into Malami’s activities. But Malami’s office is skeptical, pointing out that the timing of the raids is suspicious.
“We question the timing and authority behind the searches,” Doka said. “Why did they choose to raid our offices immediately after we released our statement addressing Chapter 9? What are they trying to hide?”
The controversy has sparked widespread outrage, with civil society organizations and human rights groups calling for an independent investigation into the EFCC’s actions.
“This is a clear case of abuse of power and intimidation,” said a spokesperson for the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURAWAS). “We demand that the EFCC chairman steps aside and allows for a fair investigation.”
He said as the drama unfolds, Malami remains committed to facing a neutral and lawful process, emphasizing that intimidation and media trials can’t replace due process. “We will not be swayed by the EFCC’s tactics,” Doka said. “We will continue to fight for the truth, no matter the cost.”
Doka revealed that EFCC’s actions have also raised concerns about the agency’s independence and its ability to conduct fair investigations. “If the EFCC is allowed to continue on this path, it will undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in the agency,”
The controversy has also sparked fears about the safety of Malami and his staff. “We are concerned about the safety of our personnel and the former minister,” Doka said. “We hold the EFCC responsible for any harm that may come to them.”
However,as the standoff continues, Nigerians are left wondering what secrets the EFCC is trying to hide. “The public has a right to know what’s in Chapter 9 of the Ayo Salami Commission of Inquiry Report.
The report’s release has also sparked calls for Olukoyede’s resignation. “If he has nothing to hide, he should step aside and allow for a fair investigation,”
He noted that EFCC’s actions have also been criticized by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which has accused the agency of abusing its powers. “The EFCC’s actions are a clear abuse of power and an attack on the rule of law,” said
As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the EFCC’s actions have sparked a major controversy that will have far-reaching implications for the agency and the country.
The government has been urged to intervene and ensure that the EFCC operates within the bounds of the law. “The government must ensure that the EFCC is not used as a tool for political persecution,” said a senior government official.
Malami’s office has vowed to continue fighting for transparency and accountability. “We will not be intimidated or silenced,” Doka said. “We will continue to fight for the truth, no matter the cost.”
The EFCC’s actions have also sparked concerns about the agency’s ability to conduct fair investigations. “If the EFCC is allowed to continue on this path, it will undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in the agency,” said a senior lawyer.
The controversy has also sparked fears about the safety of Malami and his staff. “We are concerned about the safety of our personnel and the former minister,” Doka said. “We hold the EFCC responsible for any harm that may come to them.”
As the standoff continues, Nigerians are left wondering what secrets the EFCC is trying to hide. “The public has a right to know what’s in Chapter 9 of the Ayo Salami Commission of Inquiry Report,” said a civil society activist. “We demand transparency and accountability.”
The report’s release has also sparked calls for Olukoyede’s resignation. “If he has nothing to hide, he should step aside and allow for a fair investigation,” said a prominent politician.
Malami’s office has vowed to continue fighting for transparency and accountability. “We will not be intimidated or silenced,” Doka said. “We will continue to fight for the truth, no matter the cost.”
The controversy has also sparked fears about the safety of Malami and his staff. “We are concerned about the safety of our personnel and the former minister,” Doka said. “We hold the EFCC responsible for any harm that may come to them.”
As the standoff continues, Nigerians are left wondering what secrets the EFCC is trying to hide. “The public has a right to know what’s in Chapter 9 of the Ayo Salami Commission of Inquiry Report,” said a civil society activist. “We demand transparency and accountability.”
The report’s release has also sparked calls for Olukoyede’s resignation. “If he has nothing to hide, he should step aside and allow for a fair investigation,” said a prominent politician.
“As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the EFCC’s actions have sparked a major controversy that will have far-reaching implications for the agency and the country.”
The government has been urged to intervene and ensure that the EFCC operates within the bounds of the law. “The government must ensure that the EFCC is not used as a tool for political persecution,” said a senior government official.
Malami’s office has vowed to continue fighting for transparency and accountability. “We will not be intimidated or silenced,” Doka said. “We will continue to fight for the truth, no matter the cost.”
