Prominent public figures have reacted sharply to the arraignment of former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, who is facing multiple money laundering charges alongside his wife and son.
Kingsley Moghalu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chidi Odinkalu, ex-chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, and former senator Dino Melaye all weighed in on the case in separate posts on X following Malami’s court appearance on Tuesday.
Malami, who served as justice minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was arraigned on 16 counts bordering on alleged money laundering involving billions of naira. The charges, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have renewed debate about power, accountability, and the cyclical nature of political influence in Nigeria.
Moghalu said the case highlighted the fleeting nature of power in a system where public office is increasingly divorced from competence and ethical standards.
“Anyone taking public office in Nigeria should understand the transience of power,” Moghalu wrote. “When people carry on in office like tomorrow will never arrive, the hunters will become the hunted.”
He stressed that his comments did not amount to a judgment on Malami’s guilt, adding that the courts must be allowed to determine the outcome. Moghalu also expressed concern about the broader pattern of unresolved corruption cases, warning against another high-profile prosecution ending without accountability.
Odinkalu, a vocal human rights advocate, drew a sharp contrast between Malami’s past actions as justice minister and his current legal troubles. He recalled Malami’s role in the removal of former EFCC acting chairman Ibrahim Magu, which he said was linked to disputes over recovered assets.
“Today, Magu is living modestly in untroubled retirement,” Odinkalu wrote, noting that Malami now stands accused of looting and money laundering. He described the situation as a cautionary tale for those currently close to power and expressed hope that Malami would receive a fair trial, even if he had failed to extend the same courtesy to others while in office.
Former senator Dino Melaye also reacted, saying Malami’s arraignment revived memories of his own legal battles during Malami’s tenure as attorney-general. Melaye said he was subjected to what he described as frivolous prosecutions at the time, including the takeover of a police case against him.
“Wish him well,” Melaye wrote, reflecting on what he called a dramatic reversal of roles.
The case has attracted significant public attention, with critics framing it as emblematic of Nigeria’s long-running struggle with elite impunity and selective justice. Supporters of the prosecution, however, say the charges signal a renewed willingness by anti-graft agencies to pursue powerful figures.
Malami, his wife, and son are expected to remain in custody pending the hearing of their bail applications, as the case continues to test public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive.
