Olukoyede: EFCC Not Victimising Malami, Case Predates My Appointment

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Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has dismissed claims that the commission is persecuting former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), insisting that the case against him was inherited.

 

Olukoyede described allegations of vendetta as misleading, noting that investigations into Malami began before his appointment as EFCC chairman. Malami is currently standing trial alongside some family members on 16 counts of alleged money laundering involving about ₦8.7 billion.

 

Speaking on a national television programme on Sunday, Olukoyede said the commission only proceeded with the case after establishing that investigations were thorough and credible.

 

“There is nothing like victimisation. This case predated my appointment, and I only gave approval to proceed after confirming that the investigation was watertight,” he said.

 

The EFCC boss also denied claims that he was indicted by the Justice Ayo Salami-led panel, challenging those making the allegation to publish the report.

 

“I challenge anyone claiming that I was indicted by the Justice Ayo Salami Panel to make the report public,” he said.

 

Olukoyede added that the EFCC’s internal investigation panel, the Presidency at the time, and other law enforcement agencies had all cleared him of any wrongdoing.

 

“There is no report anywhere indicting me of fraud, whether as chief of staff, secretary, or now chairman of the commission,” he stated.

 

Highlighting the commission’s achievements in 2025, Olukoyede said the EFCC successfully revived and prosecuted several long-standing corruption cases involving former governors and ministers.

 

He also cited major asset recoveries, including the forfeiture of Nok University in Kachia, Kaduna State, which was found to have been built with stolen public funds by a former civil servant. The institution has since been converted to the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.

 

According to him, the recovery demonstrates the commission’s commitment to accountability and ensuring that looted public assets are returned for the benefit of Nigerians.