I Did Not Start the Malami Investigation, I Inherited It — EFCC Boss

… Insists Anti-graft War is Evidence-driven Not Political
…Judiciary Now in Control of Yahaya Bello Prosecution

By Yinka Giwa
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has rejected allegations that the commission targets opposition figures, insisting that its investigations and prosecutions are guided strictly by evidence, not politics or party affiliation.

Speaking on Sunday night, Olukoyede said the ongoing prosecution of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, was neither initiated by him nor driven by political considerations.

“I did not start the Malami investigation; I only finished it,” the EFCC chairman said. “There is nothing personal in this matter. If Nigeria is to move forward, all of us must agree that this fight must be fought without being partisan.”

Olukoyede disclosed that Malami had been under investigation for nearly two and a half years before his appointment as EFCC chairman, noting that he merely inherited the case file and ensured that the investigation was conducted professionally and thoroughly.

“Yes, I inherited the investigation file. What I did was to ensure that the investigation was carried out in a very professional manner. Not until I was convinced that we had a watertight case did we proceed,” he said, dismissing claims of persecution or political victimisation.
Olukoyede spoke on Sunday Politics, Channels Television

The EFCC has since arraigned Malami, alongside his wife and son, on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering. On January 7, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the defendants bail in the sum of ₦500 million with two sureties owning landed property in Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarinpa, and ordered them to deposit their travel documents with the court.

Despite this, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) in different statements has accused the commission of witch-hunt and selective justice, allegations Olukoyede firmly denied. He reiterated that the EFCC investigates suspects across party lines and ethnic divides.

Providing context to the Malami case, the EFCC had earlier disclosed that it uncovered 41 properties allegedly linked to the former justice minister, spread across Kebbi State, Kano State, and the Federal Capital Territory, with an estimated combined value of over ₦212 billion. The assets include hotels, educational institutions, residential estates, and commercial and industrial facilities, which investigators allege were acquired through illicit enrichment during Malami’s eight-year tenure in office.

Olukoyede also addressed public concerns over the EFCC’s handling of the prosecution of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, stressing that the matter is firmly before the courts and beyond the commission’s control at this stage.

“The case is still in court, and I have done my bit,” he said. “I am not in the judiciary. I have no hand in how fast or slow cases move in court. Nigerians must exercise patience because the judiciary is also overwhelmed.”

The EFCC chairman recalled his earlier vow to resign if Bello was not prosecuted, insisting that he had fulfilled that commitment. When reminded of the pledge by the programme’s anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, Olukoyede responded: “Have I not made good that promise? Is Yahaya Bello not being prosecuted? The case is still in court.”

He disclosed that the commission has filed three separate cases against the former governor, adding that conviction or otherwise rests solely with the courts.

“I am not the judge who will determine conviction. I have done my work. Nigerians must know that and encourage us to do more. This man has been investigated, charges have been filed, and the matter is gaining traction,” he said.

Yahaya Bello is currently facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged property fraud amounting to ₦110 billion, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. He is also standing trial before the Federal High Court on an additional 19-count charge involving ₦80.2 billion in alleged fraud and money laundering.

Olukoyede concluded by urging Nigerians to allow due process to run its full course, insisting that the EFCC remains committed to enforcing the law fairly and without fear or favour.