Crime

EFCC, Correctional Service Officers Clash in Court Over Malami Trial

Published by admin on January 2nd, 2026.

EFCC, Correctional Service Officers Clash in Court Over Malami Trial

Tension erupted on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja as operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) had a heated confrontation over security arrangements during the court appearance of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

The disagreement reportedly stemmed from a struggle over which agency should oversee security at the court premises while the former minister was being tried. The confrontation followed a court order issued on December 30 directing that Malami be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application scheduled for January 2.

Eyewitnesses said the situation nearly escalated as operatives from both agencies exchanged threats over control of security at the court entrance. As a result of the standoff, access to the courtroom became tightly restricted, with journalists required to undergo clearance by both the EFCC and the Correctional Service before entry.

Several members of the press were eventually denied access, with officials citing limited space inside the courtroom.

Malami is facing trial alongside his son, Abdullaziz, and one Asabe Bashir, over allegations bordering on fraud.