Photo caption: Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN). Credit: State House
A former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has said he has no regrets over his actions while in office, following his release from prison custody.
Malami, who is facing a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering alongside his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz, maintained that he intends to vigorously defend himself against the allegations.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The former minister was rearrested on January 19 by operatives of the Department of State Services shortly after his initial release from Kuje Prison.
On January 21, he accused the DSS of denying him access to his family 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 since fulfilled the bail conditions and regained his freedom.
Malami, in an interview with DCL Hausa published on Wednesday, said that despite what he went through, he sees the experience as “God’s will” and pledged to vigorously defend himself against the allegations.
“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.
Malami also alleged violations of his rights during the investigation, claiming that security agencies searched his homes and business premises without notifying him.
“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.
Despite the ordeal, Malami said he remains resolute. “I have no regrets regarding what I did during my time as a minister,” he concluded.
