Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has said he has no regrets over his actions while in office, following his recent release from custody amid ongoing legal battles.
Malami made the remarks in an interview conducted shortly after regaining his freedom, where he spoke in Hausa and described his ordeal as part of “God’s will,” while reaffirming his determination to contest the allegations against him.
The former minister, alongside his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz, is currently facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). All defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following his arraignment, Malami was remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre. Shortly after his release, he was rearrested on January 19 by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), further intensifying the legal drama surrounding his case.
On January 21, the former AGF accused the DSS of restricting his access to family members and legal representatives during his detention.
However, on February 27, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to Malami and his son in the sum of N200 million each over alleged terrorism-related offences. Having now met the bail conditions, he has regained his freedom pending trial.
Reflecting on his time in custody, Malami disclosed that he had been held by multiple security agencies, including the EFCC, the DSS, and at Kuje prison, but maintained that he remains steadfast.
“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.
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He further alleged that his fundamental rights were violated during the investigation process, claiming that security operatives conducted searches on his homes and business premises without his knowledge or presence.
“They violated my rights by searching my houses and business premises without notifying me during the investigation,” Malami stated.
According to him, the Constitution guarantees his right to be present during such searches to monitor proceedings and be aware of items examined or seized.
“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,” he added.
Despite the legal challenges and controversies surrounding his case, Malami insisted he remains resolute and unapologetic about his tenure as minister.
“I have no regrets regarding what I did during my time as a minister,” he said.
The case continues to draw significant public attention, as legal proceedings are expected to determine the outcome of the allegations against the former top government official.