A Nigerian appeals court upheld the detention of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of ongoing investigations into alleged crimes.
The ruling, issued by a three-judge panel, confirmed a lower court’s decision granting the EFCC the authority to detain Malami pending further questioning and possible prosecution.
Malami had challenged his detention in court, arguing that the anti-corruption agency lacked legal grounds to hold him without formal charges beyond the initial legal deadline. He also alleged that his rights were being violated and sought relief from the appeals court.
However, the court ruled that the EFCC acted within its powers, in accordance with relevant Nigerian laws governing the investigation and detention of suspects in complex financial crimes. The judges held that the agency’s actions did not violate constitutional provisions, noting that due process had been respected during Malami’s detention.
Legal experts say the ruling sets an important precedent regarding the scope of anti-corruption agencies’ powers when investigating high-profile suspects, particularly in cases of alleged financial misconduct.
Supporters of the EFCC celebrated the decision as a reaffirmation of the agency’s mandate to conduct investigations without undue interference, while critics argued that prolonged detention should be accompanied by timely prosecution.
Malami’s legal team has not publicly indicated whether it will appeal to a higher court. The former Attorney General remains in EFCC custody while the investigations continue.
This event has sparked public debate on social media and within legal circles, with divided opinions on the implications of the ruling for civil liberties and the fight against corruption.
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