Photo: Abubakar Malami, Muhammadu Buhari, and Olusegun Obasanjo
Ola Akinwunmi
Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has firmly denied allegations of corruption leveled against him by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo concerning the granting of presidential pardons.
The controversy centers on the pardons extended to former governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, both of whom were serving prison sentences for corruption before being pardoned.
In April 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari, following the recommendations of the Council of State, granted pardons to 162 individuals, including Dariye and Nyame. This decision sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the integrity of the pardon process.
Obasanjo, in one of two newly released books to mark his 88th birthday, alleged that corruption was at its worst under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, with Malami playing a key role in enabling corrupt practices.
In response, Malami refuted Obasanjo’s allegations, stating that the pardons were granted following due process and based on recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy. He emphasized that the process was transparent and devoid of any corrupt practices. Malami vehemently criticized Obasanjo’s comments as unfounded and detrimental to the nation’s image. He urged the former president to substantiate his claims with concrete evidence.
“The issue of pardon is a legal matter governed by law and existing legislation, in which a committee on the prerogative of mercy — not the Attorney General — is responsible. My role as Attorney General was limited to presenting the committee’s report to the Council of State.”
“The responsibility for actions and inactions associated with the committee’s recommendations lies with the committee, not the Attorney General,” Malami said.
Malami also criticized the growing trend of unsubstantiated corruption allegations against public officials, both locally and internationally. He called for detailed and evidence-based claims to ensure credibility.
“Our system and polity are characterized by wild and unsubstantiated allegations of corruption relating to official acts of governance, both locally and internationally. We have witnessed unguarded allegations, even against our well-respected presidents during international media engagements. The Hard Talk interview of President Obasanjo is a relevant case in point,” he noted.
Malami emphasized that for any corruption or bribery allegation to hold weight, sufficient details must be provided.
“It is only reasonable to provide adequate particulars where allegations of corruption are made. Who gives what? How much was given? Who facilitated the bribery? Through what medium was the bribe given? On what date, and time? These details are always necessary to establish reasonable suspicion,” Malami said.
The presidency also weighed in on the matter, defending the pardons and dismissing Obasanjo’s allegations as baseless. The presidency’s spokesperson highlighted that the Council of State, comprising esteemed members, including former presidents, had unanimously approved the pardons, asserting the legitimacy of the process.
