January 21, (THEWILL) — The Office of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has raised concerns over his continued detention without access to his lawyers and family, while strongly dismissing reports alleging the discovery of arms and ammunition in residences linked to him and claims of terror financing.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, the office said Malami had not been convicted of any offence and warned against what it described as a growing media trial that presents speculation and allegations as facts, in violation of constitutional provisions on presumption of innocence and due process.
The statement dismissed claims that any cache of arms or ammunition was recovered from Malami’s residence, describing the reports as false, unsubstantiated and unsupported by any official or judicial record. It also rejected allegations linking him to terrorism or terror financing, noting that no verifiable individuals, transactions or evidence had been cited.
According to the statement, Malami has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since Monday and has been denied access to his family, legal representatives and associates, raising concerns about his safety, welfare and constitutionally guaranteed rights, including access to counsel.
The office further expressed concern over the emotional and psychological hardship faced by Malami’s family and staff as a result of what it termed sensational and unverified media narratives.
Noting that Malami is a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and has declared his intention to contest the Kebbi State governorship election in 2027, the statement urged that legal processes be insulated from political considerations.
Malami, the statement added, remains committed to the rule of law and due process, while the media was urged to halt “trial by headlines,” distinguish allegations from facts and allow lawful processes to take their course without prejudice.
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