The African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Saturday of “playing partisan politics” after the agency revoked bail for former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, the party said.
In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC Spokesperson, the party said “from all available evidence, Malami did not violate any of the legal conditions attached to his initial bail.”
The party added that revoking the bail after Mr. Malami attended a political gathering in Kebbi State “raises questions about the EFCC’s motive.”
The ADC said it supports “any genuine efforts to hold public officers accountable,” but warned that selective probes “ultimately undermines the genuine fight against corruption” and called on the EFCC to avoid becoming “a gladiator in the political arena rather than an impartial warrior against financial malpractice.”
The party urged the commission to respect citizens’ political rights and argued that “by barring a citizen from political activity, the EFCC arrogates to itself powers it does not possess under the Constitution.”
ADC demanded Mr. Malami’s “immediate release on bail, without the attached conditions that stifle his political rights.”
The EFCC denied acting for political reasons, saying its operations are apolitical as it responded to complaints about the case.
The agency has defended its actions as part of its mandate to investigate alleged financial misconduct.
Mr. Malami remains under investigation over allegations involving multiple bank accounts.
He and his lawyers have said he fully cooperated with investigators and did not breach bail conditions.
