By Priscilla Osaje
Abuja, Dec. 30, 2025 (NAN) – In a development highlighting tensions between Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies and the judiciary, the Arewa Youth for Good Governance (AYGG) has issued a forceful call for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately comply with a court order granting bail to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
The bail was granted on Dec. 23 by Justice Bello Kawu of the FCT High Court in Abuja. Malami remains in EFCC custody facing a 16-count charge related to money laundering, concealment, and the unlawful acquisition of property, allegations that also implicate his son and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd.
In a statement released on Tuesday, AYGG President Yusuf Abdullahi framed the issue as a fundamental test for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and the rule of law. “Court orders are sacrosanct all over the world, Nigeria inclusive, irrespective of your belief or disagreement with them,” Abdullahi stated. He warned that selective obedience to judicial rulings creates a dangerous precedent that undermines the entire legal system.
“The judiciary is the bedrock upon which any civilized society is built. A situation where court orders are routinely disobeyed by state agencies sets the system on a direct path toward anarchy and collapse. We cannot continue on this path,” the statement read.
The group’s intervention sheds light on a complex legal chronology. The EFCC initially detained Malami on Dec. 8, 2025, following an invitation. The commission subsequently obtained a court order from Justice S.C. Oriji on Dec. 10, remanding Malami in custody for a 14-day period to facilitate further investigation. However, Malami’s legal team successfully filed an ex-parte bail application before a different judge, Justice Bello Kawu, who granted bail on Dec. 23.
This scenario presents a not-uncommon legal tension in high-profile cases: the prosecuting agency’s desire for extended custodial investigation versus the defendant’s constitutional right to liberty while awaiting trial. Legal experts note that bail is typically a right, not a privilege, unless the prosecution can convincingly argue that the defendant is a flight risk, may interfere with witnesses, or is a danger to the community.
The AYGG’s statement accused the system of “political witch hunt” through the disobedience of court orders, a charge often leveled in Nigeria’s politically charged anti-corruption efforts. “It is a shame and insult to the good people of Nigeria,” Abdullahi said, emphasizing that “Nigeria is not a banana republic.”
The group directly appealed to EFCC Chairman Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede to “show professionalism and do the needful by honouring and obeying the court order.” This call places the onus on the EFCC to either comply, appeal the bail decision to a higher court, or formally present new evidence to Justice Kawu justifying continued detention—all established legal pathways.
The principle of obeying court rulings “even when inconvenient” is a cornerstone of democratic governance. Persistent disregard can erode public trust, deter foreign investment, and ultimately weaken the state’s own authority. The AYGG concluded by linking judicial respect to democratic vitality: “Our democracy can only strive when an individual can freely express his feelings and decisions on who to support and what party to belong.”
As of this report, the EFCC has not issued a public response regarding its compliance with Justice Kawu’s bail order. The situation remains a focal point for observers of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to balance vigorous anti-corruption enforcement with unwavering adherence to due process and judicial independence.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
PO/ADA
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
