‘No Bribe, No Judge Approached’ — Malami Fires Back As EFCC Accused Of Media Trial After Bail Ruling

Abuja, Nigeria– Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has strongly denied claims circulating in the media suggesting that he or persons connected to him attempted to bribe or improperly influence the presiding judge in his ongoing trial, describing the reports as mischievous, reckless and deliberately misleading.

Malami’s reaction followed Wednesday’s ruling of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, which granted bail to him, his wife and son.

After the ruling, reports emerged alleging that Justice Emeka Nwite issued a warning against attempts to approach or compromise the court, a development some narratives sought to link directly to Malami.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami categorically dismissed the insinuations, insisting that neither he nor anyone associated with him approached the judge or attempted to influence the court in any form.

The statement read, “We are compelled to respond and categorically state that no one from Abubakar Malami’s legal team, family, counsel, or office ever approached, attempted to approach, or contemplated approaching the Honourable Court or the presiding judge for any favour whatsoever.

“Any insinuation to the contrary is false, reckless, and deliberately misleading.”

The former AGF stressed that as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former chief law officer of the country, he fully understands and respects the sanctity and independence of the judiciary.

He also emphasised that the widely acknowledged integrity and incorruptible reputation of Justice Nwite were well known to him and his legal team.

According to the statement, the warning attributed to Justice Nwite during the court session was a general judicial caution routinely issued to all lawyers and litigants appearing before him, and not directed at Malami or any of the defendants in the case.

“For clarity, the statement attributed to Justice Nwite during proceedings was a general caution routinely issued by the judge to all counsel and litigants,” the statement noted.

“Justice Nwite is known for consistently warning parties in his court against attempting to approach him outside judicial proceedings. This was not specific to Abubakar Malami, and any attempt to single him out is dishonest.”

Malami further accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of weaponising a routine judicial admonition and spinning it into what he described as a “sensational narrative” aimed at tarnishing his reputation in the public space.

“It is disturbing that the EFCC chose to weaponise a routine judicial warning and convert it into a media spectacle,” the statement said, adding that the anti-graft agency appeared more interested in conducting a media trial than allowing the case to be determined on its merits before the court.

The former AGF maintained that he and his co-defendants have submitted themselves fully to the jurisdiction of the court, complied with all lawful orders, and remain confident that the judicial process will vindicate them.

He urged the EFCC to desist from misleading the public, prejudicing ongoing proceedings and attempting to exert pressure on the judiciary through sensational press statements.

“The proper place to prove allegations is in the courtroom, not in the media,” the statement warned.

Malami reiterating his position:“No bribe was offered, no judge was approached, and no attempt was made to compromise the court. Any suggestion otherwise exists only in the imagination of those bent on damaging Malami’s reputation at all costs.”