Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) clashed on Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over control of courtroom security during the bail hearing of Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister Justice.
Malami is standing trial alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and one of his wives, Asabe Bashir, on allegations of laundering N8.7 billion.
The charges relate to the alleged illegal acquisition of funds and landed properties in Abuja, Kano and Kebbi states, as well as the concealment of their illicit origins.
Read also: Malami, son, wife to remain in Kuje prison as bail ruling stalls
The defendants were arraigned on 30 December 2025 before trial judge, Emeka Nwite, on 16 counts of money laundering. Following their arraignment, the court ordered their remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre under the supervision of the NCoS and fixed Friday for the hearing of their bail applications.
As a result, the former AGF and his family members spent the New Year in custody.
Tension erupted on Friday ahead of the bail proceedings when EFCC operatives took over the entrance to the courtroom, attempting to control access and movement. In the process, senior prison officials escorting Malami were prevented from entering the courtroom.
The disagreement quickly escalated into a heated confrontation, with both agencies laying claim to responsibility for courtroom security.
EFCC officers argued that the matter was under their jurisdiction, while NCoS officials insisted that once a defendant is remanded by court order, custody and security fall solely under the authority of the Correctional Service.
Eyewitnesses reported that the situation became highly tense, with operatives from both sides allegedly drawing their weapons during a shouting match that caused panic among court staff, litigants and members of the public.
Armed EFCC operatives, supported by armoured vehicles, were also stationed at the court premises, further heightening tension.
Journalists and several court attendees were denied access to the courtroom, with EFCC operatives citing limited seating space. Prison officials, however, maintained that their presence inside the courtroom was mandatory as part of their official duties.
Normalcy was eventually restored following the intervention of operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) and the Chief Security Officer of the Federal High Court.
During the hearing, the court considered the bail applications of the defendants, which were opposed by the EFCC.
Justice Nwite adjourned ruling on the bail applications until 7 January, effectively extending the defendants’ detention by five days.
After the proceedings, officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service returned Malami, his son and wife to custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
