By Abiola Olawale
In his first major public statement since regaining his freedom, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has declared he has “no regrets” regarding his actions during his eight-year tenure under the administration of late former president Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Thursday, March 19, 2026, shortly after fulfilling bail conditions, Malami addressed the whirlwind of legal challenges that saw him move from EFCC custody to the Department of State Services (DSS) and eventually Kuje Prison.
Malami, who is currently facing a 16-count charge alongside his wife and son for alleged money laundering and separate terrorism-related charges, remained resolute.
Speaking primarily in Hausa, the former justice minister characterized his recent legal tribulations as a test of faith.
The former AGF maintained that his decisions in office were guided by the law, despite critics often pointing to his handling of recovered assets and high-profile withdrawals of corruption cases as controversial.
In the interview where he spoke in Hausa, the former minister said that, despite the experience, he believes the situation was “God’s will” but vowed to defend himself against the allegations.
He also alleged that his rights were violated during the investigation, claiming that security agencies searched his homes and business premises without notifying him.
According to him, he was denied the constitutional right to be present during the searches to monitor the process and know what items were being examined or taken.
Malami maintained that he remains resolute, adding that the struggle is not over despite recent developments.
“I have spent time in EFCC custody, Kuje Prison, and with the DSS. I believe it is all God’s will and I accept it, but I will defend myself against the allegations,” he said.
“They violated my rights by searching my houses and business premises without notifying me during the investigation.
“Constitutionally, I have the right to be present during a search to oversee the investigation of my property and to know exactly what is being looked for or taken.
“I have no regrets regarding what I did during my time as a minister.”
Malami, his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz, are facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). But they have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The former minister was later remanded in Kuje prison. He was rearrested on January 19 by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after his release from prison.
On January 21, Malami accused the DSS of denying him access to his family members and legal team.
On February 27, a federal high court in Abuja granted bail to Malami and his son, in the sum of N200 million each, over alleged terrorism-related offences.
