Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) clashed on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja during the trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
EFCC
The confrontation arose over who should control security arrangements at the court premises, with personnel from both agencies asserting authority as proceedings against the ex-minister unfolded.
Tension boiled over into mutual threats of gunfire at the court entrance, highlighting jurisdictional rivalries that frequently mar high-stakes corruption trials.
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Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court had on December 30 ordered Malami remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application scheduled for January 2.
Malami, his son Abdullaziz Malami, and one Asabe Bashir are standing trial on a 12-count charge of fraud, money laundering and criminal conspiracy preferred by the EFCC.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts when the charges were read to them.
Journalists covering the case faced restrictions amid the security melee, subjected to clearance by both agencies before accessing the premises, while some were barred from the courtroom on grounds that it was full.
The incident underscores persistent challenges in coordinating security for sensitive judicial proceedings where anti-corruption investigators and custodial services clash over protocols.
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EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale and NCoS authorities had yet to issue official statements on the altercation as of filing time.
RaveNewsOnline notes that Malami, a prominent figure in the Muhammadu Buhari administration, has consistently denied wrongdoing, vowing to prove his innocence in court.
The case continues to attract intense public scrutiny given the former AGF’s pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s legal policies during his tenure.
