‘I regret nothing’ – Malami defends tenure as minister

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has said he stands by his decisions while in office, insisting he has no regrets.

Malami made the statement in an interview shortly after regaining his freedom from prison custody.

The former minister, alongside his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz Malami, is currently facing a 16-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged money laundering.

Despite the allegations, all three defendants have pleaded not guilty, setting the stage for a legal battle that could draw significant public attention.

The former minister was later remanded in Kuje prison. He was rearrested on January 19 by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after his release from the prison.

On January 21, Malami accused the DSS of denying him access to his family members and legal team.

On February 27, a federal high court in Abuja granted bail to Malami and his son, in the sum of N200 million each, over alleged terrorism-related offences.

He has recently fulfilled the bail conditions and regained freedom.

In the interview where he spoke in Hausa, the former minister said that, despite the experience, he believes the situation was “God’s will” but vowed to defend himself against the allegations.

He also alleged that his rights were violated during the investigation, claiming that security agencies searched his homes and business premises without notifying him.

According to him, he was denied the constitutional right to be present during the searches to monitor the process and know what items were being examined or taken.

Malami maintained that he remains resolute, adding that the struggle is not over despite recent developments.

“I have spent time in EFCC custody, Kuje Prison, and with the DSS. I believe it is all God’s will and I accept it, but I will defend myself against the allegations,” he said.

“They violated my rights by searching my houses and business premises without notifying me during the investigation.

“Constitutionally, I have the right to be present during a search to oversee the investigation of my property and to know exactly what is being looked for or taken.

“I have no regrets regarding what I did during my time as a minister.”

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