The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has upheld the continued detention of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Babangida Hassan, who delivered the ruling, dismissed a request for Malami’s release on bail, stating that his detention by the anti-graft agency was lawful and conducted in accordance with due process.
Details of the judgment were released on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in a statement by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale. The statement explained that Malami, through his lawyer Sulaiman Hassan (SAN), had petitioned the court to challenge his ongoing custody, claiming that his detention was unlawful because investigations into allegations against him were still in progress.
The EFCC opposed the bail application. Its counsel, J.S. Okutepa (SAN), informed the court that Malami’s detention was based on a valid remand order previously issued by the Federal Capital Territory High Court under Justice S.C. Oriji.
In his ruling, Justice Hassan cited constitutional provisions and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to justify the EFCC’s position. He affirmed that the law permits detention under a remand order and that Malami’s custody complied with proper legal procedures. The judge added that granting bail would require reviewing the decision of another court of equal standing, which he said was beyond his authority.
Malami has been in EFCC custody since Sunday, December 8, 2025, after he failed to meet bail conditions previously set by the commission. He is currently under investigation for 18 alleged offences, including abuse of office and terrorism financing.
The ruling ensures that the former justice minister will remain in EFCC custody while investigations continue and any subsequent legal proceedings unfold.