Former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami Breaks Silence Following Release From Custody Vowing Full Legal Defense

Former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami breaks his silence, alleging rights violations during his 16-count money laundering and terrorism-related trial.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 8:33 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Politics Nigeria

Defiance Following Multi-Agency Detention

Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has officially re-emerged into the public sphere with a firm commitment to challenge the extensive legal proceedings against him. Following his release from a series of high-profile detentions, Malami indicated in a March 19, 2026, interview that he remains unshaken by the weight of the allegations. His period in custody involved transfers between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Kuje Prison, and the Department of State Services. According to Malami, these experiences were part of a divine process, yet he intends to utilize every available legal avenue to clear his name of the charges currently listed in the federal courts.

The Scope of the Money Laundering Trial

The primary legal challenge facing the former minister involves a 16-count charge specifically focused on alleged money laundering activities. The case, initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, also implicates members of his immediate family, including his wife, Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abdulaziz. All defendants have formally entered pleas of not guilty, setting the stage for a protracted judicial battle. According to the prosecution's filings, the charges involve complex financial transactions conducted during Malami's time in office. The defense team has characterized these allegations as politically motivated, asserting that the evidence fails to meet the threshold for a criminal conviction.

Allegations of Constitutional Rights Violations

Malami has raised serious concerns regarding the investigative methods employed by security operatives during his incarceration. He alleged that multiple searches were conducted on his private residences and business premises without prior notification or his presence. According to the former Attorney-General, these actions constitute a direct violation of his constitutional rights to oversee the investigation of his own property. He argued that the lack of transparency during these searches undermines the credibility of any evidence recovered. Malami insisted that as a citizen, he was entitled to know exactly what investigators were searching for and what items were removed from his premises.