Human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has criticised opposition political figures for what he described as hypocritical attacks on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) amid its ongoing actions involving former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
Adeyanju said opposition parties should support accountability and justice rather than undermine anti-graft efforts, emphasising the importance of impartial anti-corruption enforcement. His remarks add to the growing national debate on the politicisation of law enforcement in high-profile corruption cases.
The EFCC’s investigation and prosecution of Abubakar Malami have drawn significant public attention and mixed reactions from political actors across Nigeria. The former AGF faces multiple allegations, including money laundering and other financial crimes, which have been under scrutiny since late 2025.
Critics such as the African Democratic Congress have accused the EFCC of politicising the matter, particularly following the revocation of Malami’s bail, a move the party described as partisan interference in his potential political ambitions.
Amid the controversy, EFCC leadership has maintained that its actions are guided by evidence and due process, with Chairman Ola Olukoyede stressing that investigations into Malami predate his tenure and are not politically motivated.
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Speaking to journalists on Monday, Adeyanju emphasised that fighting corruption must transcend political affiliations.
“I am disturbed by what I see as hypocrisy in the reaction of some opposition figures to the arrest of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN,” he said, urging critics to advocate for transparent and comprehensive investigations rather than attacking the EFCC.
Adeyanju insisted that genuine commitment to justice requires supporting the rule of law and accountability for all public officials, irrespective of their political ties.
He argued that the opposition’s focus should be on demanding thorough probes into allegations rather than publicly criticising the anti-graft agency’s performance.
Adeyanju’s intervention highlights broader tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape over the perceived independence and fairness of anti-corruption institutions. For urban political watchers, civil society, and legal professionals, the debate underscores concerns about how anti-graft actions are interpreted or portrayed along partisan lines.
The call for consistent support of due process and equitable application of the law may influence public expectations of both opposition parties and enforcement agencies.
The discourse also has implications for public trust in state institutions. Where accusations of bias emerge, reinforcing transparent procedures and clear communication from agencies like the EFCC could help build confidence in anti-corruption efforts while discouraging politicised narratives that may erode institutional credibility.
Deji Adeyanju’s condemnation of opposition criticism over the EFCC’s handling of the Malami case contributes to national discussions on justice, accountability, and political responsibility.
His remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting anti-corruption enforcement that is fair, thorough, and consistent across political divides.
For stakeholders in Nigeria’s legal and political spheres, the episode emphasises the need for greater public understanding of due process and the rule of law in high-profile prosecutions
