In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigeria’s legal system, one man has stood as a beacon of reform, reshaping the administration of justice and reinforcing the rule of law—Abubakar Malami SAN. As the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Malami's tenure from 2015 to 2023 was marked by groundbreaking reforms, innovative policies, and an unwavering commitment to justice. His leadership saw the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, the decongestion of correctional centers, the promotion of human rights, and the digitization of Nigeria’s justice system, among other remarkable achievements.
Revolutionizing the Administration of Criminal Justice
Before Malami assumed office, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 had been passed into law but remained largely unimplemented. Determined to change this, he spearheaded the establishment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) at the federal level, ensuring compliance with the act’s provisions. The Ministry of Justice, under his leadership, took decisive steps to implement ACJA across all six geopolitical zones, leading to a national transformation in criminal justice procedures.
Key among these initiatives was the nationwide decongestion of correctional centers, which had been plagued by overcrowding due to delays in the justice system. Malami facilitated oversight functions that empowered magistrates to visit police cells and detention centers, ensuring the release of unlawfully detained persons. Between 2017 and 2022, thousands of legal practitioners, police officers, and judicial officials were trained in ACJA provisions through zonal sensitization workshops:
210 participants trained in the North-West
132 participants trained in the South-East
145 participants trained in the South-South
194 participants trained in the North-East
213 participants trained in the North-Central
189 participants trained in the South-West
This effort enhanced the capacity of law enforcement agencies, ensuring better compliance with sections 29, 33, and 34 of ACJA, which regulate detention procedures and prevent prolonged incarceration without trial.
Championing Human Rights: The Apo Killings Case
Malami’s tenure was not only about legal reforms but also about ensuring justice for victims of human rights violations. One of his most notable interventions was in the Apo Killings case of 2013, where eight members of the National Association of Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NATOMORAS) were killed, and 11 others were injured in a raid conducted by the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian Army at the Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.
Following an inquiry by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Federal Government was ordered to pay N135 million in compensation:
N10 million for each of the eight deceased persons (N80 million total)
N5 million for each of the 11 injured victims (N55 million total)
However, before Malami assumed office, these payments were ignored. Recognizing the injustice, he brought the matter to President Muhammadu Buhari, who approved his request for the DSS to pay the compensation. In April 2018, under Malami’s supervision, the DSS finally made the payments through the NHRC—marking a historic moment in Nigeria’s legal history. It was the first time the NHRC issued a ruling against the Federal Government, and the government fully complied.
Expanding the ACJA Across Nigeria
At the time Malami assumed office in 2015, only three states—Lagos, Anambra, and Ekiti—had domesticated the ACJA. Recognizing the need for uniformity in justice administration, he led an aggressive campaign through the Federal Justice Sector Reform Coordinating Committee (FJSRCC), engaging stakeholders across the country.
By 2022, 30 additional states had domesticated the law, ensuring a more efficient and unified legal framework nationwide. His efforts not only reformed the criminal justice system but also empowered state governments to adopt modern legal practices that prioritize fairness and efficiency.
Justice in the Digital Age: Malami’s Technological Innovations
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 exposed the vulnerabilities of traditional court proceedings. With travel restrictions and lockdowns, the justice system faced unprecedented challenges. However, Malami saw an opportunity to modernize Nigeria’s legal processes. Under his direction, the Ministry of Justice pioneered:
Virtual court hearings, with two fully functional virtual hearing studios set up at the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ) Headquarters
Electronic case tracking and management systems, enabling better coordination across justice institutions
Creation of electronic databases, ensuring seamless access to legal records
Establishment of five electronic Justice Resource Centers in the FCT, Yobe, Bayelsa, Benue, and Anambra States
Additionally, the Federal Government, through Malami’s guidance, granted fiat to the Attorneys-General of all 36 states, allowing them to prosecute federal cases at state levels to reduce case backlogs. This was a strategic move that accelerated justice delivery and decongested the courts.
A Legacy of Justice and Reform
Malami’s achievements in justice sector reform remain unparalleled. His unwavering commitment to implementing ACJA, enforcing human rights, expanding legal access through technology, and ensuring compliance with court rulings have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legal landscape.
From securing the payment of N135 million in compensation to victims of state brutality, to training over 1,083 judicial officers and law enforcement agents, to ensuring over 30 states adopted ACJA, Malami’s impact is felt in every corner of the justice sector.
His tenure stands as a testament to the power of legal reform in shaping a just and fair society. Abubakar Malami SAN will forever be remembered as the Attorney-General who not only traversed the thorny terrain of Nigeria’s justice system but also paved the way for a more equitable and efficient legal framework—a true pillar of justice in Nigeria.
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