…Dismisses bribery insinuations as false, reckless and misleading
The Office of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has dismissed as false and misleading claims suggesting that persons linked to him attempted to bribe the presiding judge in his ongoing trial.
This comes after a press release issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which Malami’s media office said was “mischievously framed” to create the impression that the former justice minister or his associates sought to improperly influence the court.
In a statement signed by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Malami, the office categorically denied the allegation, insisting that “no one from Abubakar Malami’s legal team, family, council, or office ever approached, attempted to approach, or contemplated approaching the Honourable Court or the presiding judge for any favour whatsoever.”
The statement described any insinuation of bribery as “false, reckless, and deliberately misleading.”
Malami’s office emphasised that the former Attorney-General is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a law-abiding citizen who fully understands the sanctity of the judiciary.
“Abubakar Malami, SAN, is a law-abiding citizen, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and a former Attorney-General of the Federation who fully understands and respects the sanctity of the judiciary,” the statement said.
It also highlighted the reputation of the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, describing him as widely known for his incorruptibility and integrity.
“The widely acknowledged incorruptible character and integrity of Justice Emeka Nwite are not lost on Malami or his legal team. There was therefore never any basis, reason, or intention to seek any improper engagement with His Lordship,” the statement added.
Addressing the specific remarks attributed to Justice Nwite during proceedings at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, Malami’s office clarified that the comments were not directed at him or his co-defendants.
According to the statement, the judge’s remarks were “a general caution routinely issued by the judge to all counsel and litigants appearing before him.”
It explained that Justice Nwite is known for consistently warning parties against approaching him outside formal court proceedings, describing the caution as part of his “long-standing judicial culture and commitment to probity.”
The statement faulted the EFCC for allegedly twisting this routine admonition into what it described as a “sensational narrative aimed at tarnishing Malami’s image in the court of public opinion.”
“This approach further reinforces our long-held position that the EFCC is persisting in a media trial, rather than allowing the case to be determined strictly on the basis of evidence and due process before the court,” the statement said.
Malami’s office stressed that he and his co-defendants have complied fully with the court’s processes and remain confident in the outcome of the trial.
“Malami and his co-defendants have submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of the court, have complied with all lawful orders made so far, and remain confident that the judicial process will ultimately vindicate them,” it stated.
The statement urged the anti-graft agency to refrain from actions capable of prejudicing ongoing proceedings.
“The EFCC is hereby urged to desist from misleading the public, prejudicing ongoing proceedings, and attempting to pressure the court through sensational press releases. The proper place to prove allegations is in the courtroom, not in the media,” it said.
Reiterating its position, the office emphatically stated: “No bribe was offered, no judge was approached, and no attempt was made to compromise the court.”
