No Regrets Over My Actions As Minister – Abubakar Malami

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has said he has no regrets over his actions while in office, despite facing ongoing legal challenges following his recent release from custody.

Speaking in Hausa during an interview shortly after regaining his freedom, Malami reflected on his time in detention and reaffirmed his determination to defend himself against the charges.

Malami, alongside his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz Malami, is facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). All three have pleaded not guilty.

Following his arraignment, Malami was remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre before being re-arrested on 19 January by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after his release. He later alleged that he was denied access to family members and his legal team during this period, raising questions about procedural fairness.

On 27 February, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted Malami and his son bail in the sum of ₦200 million each over separate allegations linked to terrorism-related offences. Having met the bail conditions, the former minister has now been released pending trial.

Reflecting on his ordeal, Malami described the experience as part of “God’s will” but insisted he would vigorously challenge the allegations in court. He further claimed that security agencies violated his constitutional rights by searching his homes and business premises without prior notification, preventing him from monitoring the process or verifying what items were seized.

Despite the mounting legal pressure, Malami struck a defiant tone, maintaining that he stands by his record in office. “I have no regrets regarding what I did during my time as a minister,” he said.

The case continues to attract public attention, raising broader questions about due process, accountability, and the treatment of high-profile defendants in Nigeria’s justice system.