Malami Raises Alarm Over DSS Detention, Alleges Obstruction of Legal Defence
Malami Raises Alarm Over DSS Detention, Alleges Obstruction of Legal Defence
The Office of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has raised alarm over what it described as coordinated actions by security agencies aimed at frustrating his right to fair hearing and effective legal defence in an ongoing interim forfeiture case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement issued on Friday, the office expressed “grave concern” over the conduct of the EFCC and the Department of State Services (DSS), alleging deliberate delays, rearrest, and denial of access to legal counsel.
According to the statement, although the Federal High Court granted Malami bail following charges filed by the EFCC, the anti-graft agency allegedly delayed the submission of his international passports to the court for about one week, despite the passports being a key condition for the perfection of bail.
“The delay unnecessarily prolonged his detention and obstructed the execution of a valid court order,” the statement said.
The office further alleged that immediately after Malami perfected his bail and was released from the Kuje Custodial Centre, he was rearrested by operatives of the DSS and detained for five days without access to his lawyers or family members.
“He was only allowed to meet his legal team on Friday after prolonged isolation, delays, and grave violations of his fundamental human rights,” the statement added.
The detention, the office noted, occurred at a critical time when Malami was expected to prepare and open his defence in an EFCC interim forfeiture proceeding before the Federal High Court.
“Denying him access to counsel during this period directly impaired his ability to consult, prepare filings, and give instructions, amounting to a clear frustration of due process,” it stated.
The Office of Abubakar Malami further alleged a growing pattern in which arrest precedes investigation, with evidence allegedly sought after detention, describing the practice as a “blatant violation of the rule of law and constitutionally guaranteed rights.”
“It is deeply troubling that the DSS appears to be adopting a similar practice of arrest, detention, and then evidence gathering,” the statement said.
Emphasising the sanctity of court orders, the office warned that bail granted by a court must not be rendered meaningless by any government agency.
“No agency should be permitted to neutralise judicial orders through coordinated delays, rearrests, or denial of access to legal representation,” it said, adding that such actions undermine the authority of the courts and pose a serious threat to fundamental human rights.
The statement concluded by affirming Malami’s readiness to defend himself through lawful means.
“Mr. Malami remains ready to defend himself fully in court and in accordance with the law, and calls on all state institutions to respect court orders, constitutional guarantees, and the rule of law,” it said.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Abubakar Malami, SAN.
