Malami fires back at EFCC over attempt to smear his reputation by media trial
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
“Justice Nwite is known for consistently warning parties in his court against attempting to approach him outside judicial proceedings, as part of his long-standing judicial culture and commitment to probity. This warning was not specific to Abubakar Malami or any of the defendants in this case, and any attempt to single him out is dishonest.”
In a statement Wednesday January 7, 2026 titled “EFCC’s Media Trial Against Malami: Setting the Record Straight on Justice Nwite’s Remarks”, the Office of Abubakar Malami (SAN) has says it taken note of a press release issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has been widely circulated and “mischievously framed” to suggest that persons connected to Malami attempted to bribe the presiding judge in his ongoing trial.
In the statement, signed by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Abubakar Malami (SAN), such claim by an anti-corruption agency that project itself as above partisan politics and independent of politicians’ influence was dismissed as merely kind of media trial that the EFCC do to smear his reputation.
“We are compelled to respond and categorically state that no one from Abubakar Malami’s legal team, family, council, or office ever approached, attempted to approach, or contemplated approaching the Honourable Court or the presiding judge for any favour whatsoever. Any insinuation to the contrary is false, reckless, and deliberately misleading.
“Abubakar Malami, SAN, is a law-abiding citizen, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and a former Attorney-General of the Federation who fully understands and respects the sanctity of the judiciary.
“The widely acknowledged incorruptible character and integrity of Justice Emeka Nwite are not lost on Malami or his legal team. There was therefore never any basis, reason, or intention to seek any improper engagement with His Lordship.
“For clarity, the statement attributed to Justice Nwite during proceedings at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, was a general caution routinely issued by the judge to all counsel and litigants appearing before him.
“Justice Nwite is known for consistently warning parties in his court against attempting to approach him outside judicial proceedings, as part of his long-standing judicial culture and commitment to probity. This warning was not specific to Abubakar Malami or any of the defendants in this case, and any attempt to single him out is dishonest.
“It is therefore disturbing that the EFCC chose to weaponise a routine judicial admonition and spin it into a sensational narrative aimed at tarnishing Malami’s image in the court of public opinion.
“This approach further reinforces our long-held position that the EFCC is persisting in a media trial, rather than allowing the case to be determined strictly on the basis of evidence and due process before the court.
“We wish to emphasise that Malami and his co-defendants have submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of the court, have complied with all lawful orders made so far, and remain confident that the judicial process will ultimately vindicate them.
“The EFCC is hereby urged to desist from misleading the public, prejudicing ongoing proceedings, and attempting to pressure the court through sensational press releases. The proper place to prove allegations is in the courtroom, not in the media.
“We reiterate: no bribe was offered, no judge was approached, and no attempt was made to compromise the court. Any suggestion otherwise exists only in the imagination of those bent on damaging Malami’s reputation at all costs.”
