The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, over his public demand that the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, should step aside from investigations linked to allegations against him.
In a statement issued on Monday, the rights group described Malami’s position as legally unsustainable, evasive and an attempt to personalise what it said is a statutory investigative process. HURIWA argued that the EFCC, as a legally established anti-graft agency, has the authority to investigate allegations of economic and financial crimes against any individual, regardless of status or former office.
The association rejected Malami’s claim that Olukoyede lacks the locus to probe him, noting that investigations are carried out by institutions, not individuals. It said the EFCC chairman does not require any personal dispute with a suspect to lawfully discharge his responsibilities under the law.
HURIWA questioned why a former chief law officer of the federation would seek to divert an ongoing probe to another agency, such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), on grounds of alleged bias. According to the group, such a move amounts to avoiding substantive issues raised by the allegations rather than addressing them directly.
The organisation said that if the EFCC has raised issues suggesting the commission of offences, Malami’s obligation is to submit himself to investigation, offer explanations where required and, if charged, defend himself in court. It stressed that questions of guilt or innocence are determined through judicial proceedings, not through public statements or media engagements.
Describing Malami’s stance as unbecoming of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, HURIWA said disputing the investigative powers of the EFCC reflects poorly on a former Attorney-General who worked closely with the commission as part of the criminal justice system.
The group also dismissed suggestions that the EFCC chairman has any personal issues with Malami, noting that Olukoyede was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in line with existing laws. It warned against framing the investigation as a vendetta, insisting it remains an institutional inquiry into alleged wrongdoing.
On reports that Malami may have exited the All Progressives Congress (APC), HURIWA said party affiliation, whether current or former, does not exempt anyone from accountability. It added that Malami served for eight years under the Muhammadu Buhari administration and questioned why he appears unwilling to subject himself to scrutiny.
HURIWA further cautioned against reliance on any panel report to challenge the EFCC’s investigative mandate, arguing that no administrative panel can override statutory provisions establishing the commission and defining its powers.
The association urged Malami to cooperate fully with investigators and allow due process to take its course, saying this remains the most effective way to clear his name if he has no case to answer. It reaffirmed its support for the independence of anti-corruption agencies and warned that attempts to undermine lawful investigations pose a threat to accountability and the rule of law.
HURIWA faults Malami over call for EFCC chair to step aside
