…Says his rights were violated…
Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, says he has no regrets over his actions while in office.
The former minister spoke in an interview shortly after his release from prison custody.
Malami, his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz, are facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). But they have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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 his interview Malami said: “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.
“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.”
Recall that Malami, his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz, are facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). But they have pleaded not guilty to the charges.