The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its investigation of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), is neither personal nor politically motivated, insisting the case predates the current leadership of the commission.
Yet, the assurance has done little to calm a deeply polarised public, reopening long-standing debates about selective justice, due process and credibility in Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.
Speaking on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said the Malami probe was inherited and handled strictly within professional boundaries. “Malami’s case is not personal,” Olukoyede said. “His investigation predated me in the office. I inherited his investigation file; all I did was ensure the investigation was carried out in a very professional and thorough manner.”
He added that the former Attorney-General “has been under investigation for almost two and a half years, since immediately after the exit of Buhari’s government,” countering claims that the probe was triggered by political realignments after the change of administration.
Despite the clarification, scepticism remains widespread. Many Nigerians argue that anti-corruption agencies have, over the years, struggled to convince the public that investigations are insulated from politics.
Commenting on the interview, analyst Hephzibah Behulah said Olukoyede’s explanation “sounds reasonable on paper,” but warned that public distrust runs deep. “Selective justice has been the biggest problem with anti-corruption efforts in this country for decades,” she said. “We see aggressive moves against opposition figures or people who have fallen out of favour, while several serving governors, ministers and close allies with even louder allegations walk around untouched.”
Behulah insisted that credibility would only be restored through consistency. “If the process is truly professional and thorough, then the same energy should apply equally across the board, no matter who is involved or which party they belong to,” she added.
Others have rallied behind the EFCC chairman, urging Nigerians to allow investigators do their work without political sentiment.
Joseph Tobore argued that the Malami probe was part of a wider effort stalled in the past. “The investigation predates his tenure as chairman,” he said, adding that previous EFCC leadership had pushed for reforms to reduce interference in cases involving politically exposed persons.
Some commentators went further, accusing Malami’s camp of attempting to sway public opinion. “Mr Malami cannot claim persecution without stating facts,” wrote commentator Masterpiece Dannymasterp. “This is orchestrated rhetoric just to emotionally blackmail the EFCC and seek public outrage.”
Abdulazeez, another commentator, questioned the source of the former Attorney-General’s wealth, saying Malami “must explain how he suddenly became a multi-billionaire in eight years, with properties allegedly linked to him across several states and Abuja.”
However, criticism of the EFCC has not been limited to the Malami case. Some Nigerians used the moment to air grievances about the commission’s methods. One commentator accused the agency of unlawful arrests during sting operations, arguing that “when intelligence is wrong, and a person is detained beyond 24–48 hours without a court order, that arrest is unlawful.”
The same critic alleged that EFCC operatives “robbed my house in my absence,” claiming cash and valuables were never accounted for. “No man should be the judge of himself,” he said, daring the EFCC leadership to address the allegations publicly.
Others questioned the agency’s priorities. “Top criminals are roaming free while politicians and bandits kill and kidnap people,” one social media user lamented. “Yet young people struggling to survive are arrested.”
Beyond individual cases, the debate reflects a broader anxiety: whether Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive can ever be truly blind to power.
Hassan, a political observer, warned of a dangerous cycle. “If we go this way, the next government will also do the same,” he said, suggesting unresolved tensions between the former Attorney-General and the current EFCC leadership.
Still, some voices urged restraint and institutional continuity. “Allow the EFCC do their job,” said Charles Akue. “The next government will probe this government too.”
As investigations continue, the EFCC’s challenge extends beyond courtroom outcomes. For many Nigerians, the real test lies in whether the commission can demonstrate fairness, transparency and respect for due process qualities that could finally turn official assurances into public confidence.
