The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has rejected assertions that the anti-graft agency is engaging in a politically motivated “witch-hunt” against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), emphasising that the investigation is neither personal nor partisan.
Olukoyede spoke in an interview aired on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on Sunday, responding to widespread criticism about the handling of the case.
Addressing the controversy, Olukoyede said the investigation into Malami’s conduct began before he assumed office as EFCC chairman and that he only took over the existing file. “Let me tell you about that particular former attorney-general that you are talking about — there is nothing personal in this matter.
If Nigeria is to move forward, all of us must agree that this fight must be fought without being partisan, and that’s what I want Nigerians to understand and to agree with us,” he said in the interview.
The EFCC chairman stressed that high-profile corruption and financial crime cases require thorough and professional handling, noting that investigations involving prominent figures may take time due to legal complexities and evidentiary requirements. He rejected claims that the agency’s actions were politically driven or targeted at opposition figures.
Malami has been under intense media scrutiny and legal inquiry amid allegations that include money laundering and terrorism financing, which he and his legal team have consistently denied, describing some claims as politically inspired or unfounded.
In a recent statement, Malami’s media aide dismissed assertions that he operated dozens of illegal bank accounts as “ridiculous and baseless,” saying he maintained only known accounts.
Critics of the EFCC’s handling of the case, including opposition figures and civil society voices, have labelled the agency’s actions as selective and politically charged, arguing that prominent politicians may be treated differently depending on their affiliations.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar accused the EFCC and other anti-graft bodies of abandoning their core mandate and morphing anti-corruption efforts into what he termed a “political witch-hunt,” a claim that Olukoyede directly addressed.
The Federal High Court in Abuja recently granted Malami ₦500 million bail on alleged money-laundering charges, with conditions including sureties and travel document deposit, highlighting the ongoing judicial processes tied to the investigation.
Legal experts say the public debate over the EFCC’s independence underscores longstanding concerns about the perceived politicisation of anti-graft institutions in Nigeria. They reiterate that maintaining impartiality and adherence to due process is essential to preserve trust in the nation’s legal and enforcement institutions — particularly as high-profile cases unfold.
As the Malami matter progresses through legal and investigative channels, the EFCC maintains that its actions are guided by statutory mandate and professional integrity, not by political considerations or personal vendettas.
