Abuja, Nigeria – Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has said he does not regret his actions while in office, even as he faces ongoing prosecution over multiple allegations.
Malami, who was recently released after meeting bail conditions, is standing trial on a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. His wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz, are also listed as defendants in the case, and all have pleaded not guilty.
The former minister’s detention earlier in the year involved multiple Nigerian security agencies. He was rearrested on Sunday, January 19, 2026, by the Department of State Services shortly after leaving Kuje Prison in Abuja.
On Tuesday, January 21, 2026, he accused the agency of denying him access to his family and legal team while in custody.
His situation changed on Thursday, February 27, 2026, when a Federal High Court in Abuja granted him and his son bail set at ₦200 million (about $130,000) each in relation to alleged terrorism offences. He later met the conditions and was released.
In an interview published on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Malami spoke about his experience across different detention facilities and agencies.
“I have spent time in EFCC custody, Kuje Prison, and with the DSS. I believe it is all God’s will, and I accept it, but I will defend myself against the allegations,” he said.
He also alleged that his rights were breached during the investigation process, claiming that authorities searched his properties without informing him.
“They violated my rights by searching my houses and business premises without notifying me during the investigation.
“Constitutionally, I have the right to be present during a search to oversee the investigation of my property and to know exactly what is being looked for or taken.”
Malami maintained that despite the allegations and his time in detention, he stands by his record in public office.
“I have no regrets regarding what I did during my time as a minister,” he said.
The case is ongoing, and attention remains focused on how the courts will handle the charges against the former top government official.