The lead counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, J.S. Okutepa, has dismissed claims that a court order was issued for the release of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
In a statement, Okutepa said no court order directing Malami’s release has been served on either the EFCC or his law firm.
He explained that he had received several calls and messages from colleagues and members of the public questioning why the EFCC had not released the former AGF, following reports that a court granted him bail through an ex-parte order on December 23, 2025.
Okutepa said the enquiries were based on a press statement allegedly issued by an aide to Malami, claiming that the EFCC was still detaining him despite a court order.
The EFCC lead counsel maintained that, to the best of his knowledge, no such order has been served on the commission or its legal representatives as at the time of the statement.
He described it as unusual and unlikely for a court to grant bail ex-parte to a criminal defendant without putting the detaining authority on notice.
Okutepa further stated that the court orders issued by Justices Orji and Hassan on December 10 and December 18, 2025, respectively, remain valid and have not been set aside.
He said the clarification was necessary to prevent the public from being misled, insisting that Abubakar Malami is being lawfully detained based on existing court orders.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
