Malami: “I Have No Regrets” After Release from Custody
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has declared that he harbours no regrets over his time in office, speaking shortly after regaining his freedom following a protracted period in detention.
Malami, who had been held at different times by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and later the Department of State Services, confirmed that he has now fulfilled the bail conditions imposed by a Federal High Court. His release marks the latest development in a sequence that saw him detained, granted bail, and re-arrested before ultimately securing his freedom.
In his first public remarks since the episode, the former minister framed the experience in personal and philosophical terms, describing it as an event he accepts without bitterness while maintaining his readiness to contest the allegations against him in court.
“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,” he said.
He coupled this position with a firm defence of his record in office. Reflecting on his tenure as the country’s chief law officer under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Malami was unequivocal in his assessment.
“I have no regrets regarding what I did during my time as a minister,” he stated.
Beyond his personal reflections, Malami also raised concerns about the conduct of the investigation that led to his detention. He alleged that security operatives carried out searches on his properties in his absence, arguing that such actions contravene constitutional provisions guaranteeing a suspect’s right to be present during searches.
According to him, being excluded from those processes deprived him of the opportunity to observe and verify the scope of the investigation.
Despite the legal challenges still before him, Malami’s tone remained measured but resolute—accepting the ordeal as part of a larger course of events, yet firmly rejecting any suggestion of wrongdoing and signalling his intention to clear his name as proceedings continue.