Abubakar Malami
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), has did not appear before the Presidential Panel investigating the suspended Acting Chairman of Despite a subpoena sent to him by the Chairman of the court , Justice Ayo Salami (retd.) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu,
The panel is investigating Magu over allegations of corruption alleged by Malami against him.
The AGF had accused him of not acting within the overall best interest of the country and therefore the policies of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration thanks to its mismanagement and lack of transparency within the handling of recovered assets among other allegations.
But Magu during a letter dated September 4, 2020 asked the panel to summon Malami to prove the allegations he accused him of.
The former Acting EFCC boss also demanded the recall of "several witnesses who appeared and testified at the time" he "was not authorised" before this judicial commission of inquiry. to participate within the proceedings and cross-examine such witnesses”.
He said the requests were made in line with the spirit of hearing guaranteed under Section 36 of the Nigerian constitution.
In line with Magu’s request, Justice Salami signed and issued a subpoena to the AGF to seem before the panel to substantiate the allegations he made against him.
“You are hereby commanded within the name of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to seem before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to offer evidence in respect A part of the subpoena seen by NaijaGistReporters read of your allegations against Mr Ibrahim Magu.
But rather than appearing before the panel, Malami wrote a letter of disobedience to the subpoena, stating that he wouldn't appear as a witness.
He hinged his refusal on the very fact that he only made charges against Magu supported the petitions he received against him in his office.
The AGF said he would seem before the panel if summoned in line with the Buhari administration’s respect for the rule of law.
NaijaGistReporters recall that Malami had during an interview recently said he would seem before the panel if summoned in line with the Buhari administration’s respect for the rule of law.
He said as chief lawman of the country, he had a responsibility to help whatever investigation happening locally or internationally.
"He said," So, the thought of evidence, the thought of presence before any tribunal of the Office of the Attorney-General, and indeed with actual regard to Abubakar Malami,before any tribunal local and international for the aim of supporting an investigation which will see to the establishment and unraveling the reality related to a problem into account isn't new. i will be able to in no way exercise any restraints as per as honoring a call for participation for the aim of supporting any inquiry.
“Therefore, if the Ayo Salami panel as an individual or the Attorney General of the Federation invites Abubakar Malami (SAN) for any testimony or clarification, for any examination or cross-examination, for that matter, Abubakar Malami will certainly and gladly within the spirit and context of rule of law be there to testify and can submit myself to be cross-examined.”
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