By Abdullateef Bambgose
An Abuja based human rights lawyer, Barrister Hamza N Dantani has condemned the alleged politicisation of the law enforcement agencies against Abubakar Malami, SAN.
Barrister Hamza , a constitutional lawyer and rights activist in a statement in Abuja on Thursday stated that, “As a constitutional lawyer, human rights activist, and keen observer of Nigeria’s democratic evolution, coupled with my role as a member of the Citizens’ Liberty Committee and the National Litigation Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, it has become imperative for me to ventilate my views and call for immediate and decisive action in defence of constitutionalism, justice, and the rule of law.”
He noted that ” The increasing use of Nigeria’s law enforcement and security agencies as instruments of political vendetta by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is deeply troubling. It poses a serious threat to democracy, constitutional governance, and the rule of law.
“The recent arraignment of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, alongside his son, Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, on alleged terrorism-related and firearms offences, raises grave concerns about selective justice and the abuse of state power.”
“According to reports, Nigeria’s state police have charged Malami with five counts bordering on terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms. This development comes barely months after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a separate 16-count charge against him, alleging money laundering and conspiracy involving billions of naira.
“Prosecutors further allege that while serving as Attorney General in November 2022, Malami knowingly aided terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were allegedly forwarded to his office.”
He added that, “While no individual is above the law and investigations remain the statutory mandate of security agencies, every well-meaning and patriotic Nigerian understands that the timing, manner, and persistence of these charges suggest political motivation, aimed at frustrating Malami’s growing political relevance and ambition.
“The claim that Malami and his son were found in possession of a firearm and cartridges without a valid licence in December 2025 is particularly questionable. Such allegations, given Malami’s professional standing as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, his former position as the nation’s chief law officer, and his long record of public service, require utmost caution, transparency, and strict adherence to due process, not media trials or selective prosecution. More troubling is the glaring double standard in the administration of justice.
“Nigeria is home to individuals whose alleged financial crimes and security-related infractions are well known to the public. Yet, they continue to enjoy freedom and state patronage simply because they are aligned with the ruling APC. Many who ought to have been thoroughly investigated or prosecuted are instead feasting on the so-called “national cake” under the protection of political power.
“This selective application of justice gravely undermines public confidence in institutions such as the EFCC, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force, reducing them from professional law enforcement bodies to tools of political intimidation.
“We therefore strongly urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately put an end to the culture of impunity, witch-hunting, and the weaponisation of security agencies against perceived opposition figures, particularly individuals who have served the nation at the highest levels.
“Abubakar Malami’s case has evidently transcended routine investigation and prosecution; it has become a disturbing symbol of political persecution in contemporary Nigeria.”
Accordingly, he called on well-meaning Nigerians, human rights advocates, civil society organisations, senior members of the Bar, and other concerned citizens to closely examine this matter, raise their voices against injustice, and intervene in defence of democracy, due process, and the rule of law.
“Nigeria must not descend into a system where political disagreement is criminalised, and state power is deployed to silence perceived rivals. History will ultimately judge us by where we stand at moments such as this.
Justice must not only be done — it must be seen to be done,” he said.
