Group Plans Protest Over Detention Of Former Attorney General



A civil society group, the Coalition Against Terrorism and Corruption (CATC), said it plans to organise a large-scale protest opposing any move to release former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement on Sunday signed by its spokesperson, Dr. Hassan Adebayo, the group said the planned march is intended to draw attention to ongoing investigations and court proceedings involving the former minister, urging authorities to allow the legal process to proceed without interference.

The EFCC has filed a 16-count charge against Malami, his son, and an associate, Bashir Asabe, relating to allegations of money laundering, concealment of funds, and the acquisition of properties in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi States. The commission has not disclosed full details of the case in public filings beyond the charges already before the court.

According to the group, the charges reference alleged financial transactions involving Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited between 2022 and 2025, as well as the purchase of properties and the use of cash deposits in loan arrangements. These allegations are currently before the court and remain subject to judicial determination.

CATC also cited alleged transactions linked to property acquisitions in parts of Abuja, including Maitama, Jabi, Asokoro, and Gwarimpa, and to investments in hospitality businesses, which it said are part of the EFCC’s investigation.

The group said it was not seeking to influence the outcome of the case but called for transparency and adherence to due process.

“The matter before the court should be allowed to run its course in line with the law,” Adebayo said.

CATC said the planned protest would be peaceful and aimed at advocating accountability within public institutions. It urged law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to act independently.

Malami has not publicly commented on the case. The allegations against him and the other defendants have not been proven, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

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