EFCC Chairman says Malami investigation not politically motivated
EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukayode says the investigation of former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami is not politically targeted, telling Channels Television the case predates his tenure and has been ongoing for over two years. "There is nothing personal in this matter. I inherited the file and we've been painstakingly carrying out the investigation," Olukayode said in the Sunday Politics interview. He emphasized the agency handles cases irrespective of political parties, stating "If Nigeria is to move forward, all of us must agree that this fight must be fought without being partisan." The EFCC boss said he only became convinced to proceed after establishing a "watertight case," editing the investigation file to ensure professionalism and thoroughness. Malami, who served as Minister of Justice under President Muhammadu Buhari, has been under EFCC investigation for alleged corruption-related offenses since 2023. The current EFCC leadership insists the probe has nothing to do with political persecution. This case tests Nigeria's anti-corruption credibility—will it reinforce institutional independence or confirm opposition targeting fears?