Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN has thanked his family, political allies, and supporters after being released from custody on corruption-related allegations.
Malami, his wife Bashir Asabe, and his son Abdulaziz, are facing 16 charges related to alleged money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The former minister pleaded not guilty. He was first held at Kuje Correctional Centre and was rearrested by Department of State Services (DSS) officers on January 19, shortly after his release.
Earlier, he accused the DSS of not allowing him to see his family or legal team while he was in custody.
On February 27, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail of ₦200 million each to Malami and his son for alleged terrorism-related offences.
Malami, in a message shared by his media aide Mohammed Doka on Facebook, called his ordeal a “difficult period.”
“I want to thank my family, friends, political associates, and the many Nigerians who stood by me,” he said.
He said their support helped him get through what he called “media trials, sensational narratives, and prejudgment.”
Malami also thanked several well-known political figures for their support, such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi.
He also mentioned former Sokoto governor Aminu Tambuwal, along with Kashim Imam, Lawal Batagarawa, Lauretta Onochie, and Bolaji Abdullahi.
He called their actions courageous and principled.
After regaining his freedom, Malami said he is now focused on bigger national issues and called on Nigerians to come together to seek justice and accountability.
“The struggle for justice, accountability, and national redemption is only just beginning,” he stated.
He warned that Nigeria is at a crucial point and called for brave leadership and for citizens to get involved.
Malami encouraged Nigerians to stay strong in protecting democratic values.
“Let it be clearly understood that the struggle is just beginning… No retreat, no surrender,” he added.
