The Bureau News reports that a fresh controversy has erupted as former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of carrying out a targeted campaign following his public reference to Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report. The development has renewed national debate on accountability, institutional independence and rule of law in Nigeria.
According to statements attributed to Malami’s media office, the EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede was allegedly implicated in sections of the confidential report. The Bureau News understands that Malami’s camp insists that several allegations, including abuse of office, financial misconduct and obstruction of justice, were highlighted in the disputed section.
Malami Alleges Retaliatory Raids | Nigeria News Today
After his public call for the EFCC Chairman to step aside pending investigation, Malami’s office claimed that EFCC operatives conducted unannounced raids on his offices and private residences in Abuja and Kebbi State. His media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, described the operation as an attempt to intimidate the former AGF and suppress disclosure of the controversial Chapter 9 findings.
“This is coordinated intimidation aimed at stopping the truth from coming out. We will not be silenced. We will continue to fight for transparency and accountability,” Doka said.
The Bureau News notes that the claims have triggered reactions from civil society organisations and legal stakeholders who insist that transparency remains essential to protecting institutional credibility.
EFCC Denies Wrongdoing as Pressure Mounts
The EFCC has denied allegations of political harassment, insisting that its operations remain lawful and connected to ongoing investigations unrelated to the leaked judicial report. However, critics argue that the timing of the searches raises suspicion and risks undermining public trust.
Civil society groups including the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria have called for an independent investigation, while sections of the legal community questioned whether the agency acted within regulated investigative bounds.
Concerns Over Rule of Law and Institutional Trust
The Bureau News observes that stakeholders insist the Federal Government must ensure due process, fairness and institutional discipline to prevent erosion of public confidence. Analysts caution that prolonged standoffs may affect governance integrity, rule of law perception and Nigeria’s international anti-corruption standing.
Civic groups, lawyers and political commentators are now demanding clarity, insisting that Nigerians deserve access to the full content of the Ayo Salami Commission Report to promote accountability and reinforce democratic oversight. The Bureau News Nigeria will continue monitoring developments as national attention remains fixed on this unfolding Nigeria News Today development.
