Exposed: A Shameless Smirk of Propaganda Masquerading as News

By Jikan waziri

The recent “report” circulating in the media about former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, reads like a desperate press‑release from a political hit‑squad rather than a piece of responsible journalism. The story, which claims the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized Malami’s passport as part of a $490 million “Abacha loot” probe, is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to tarnish a man who has just announced his candidacy for governor in November 2025.

1. THE “SEIZED PASS‑PORT” CLAIM IS A BARE‑FACED LIE

The article cites an anonymous “credible source” inside the EFCC, yet offers no verifiable document, court order, or official statement confirming that Malami’s passport has been confiscated. In a country where due process still exists, such a drastic measure would be accompanied by a formal notice, a charge sheet, or at the very least a public acknowledgment from the commission. None of that exists.

Instead, the writer hides behind vague phrases like “the source said” and “the commission cited the large volume of documents,” turning speculation into sensational headlines. This is not journalism; it is rumor‑mongering designed to create a false narrative of guilt before any trial.

2. A POLITICAL MOTIVE CANNOT BE IGNORED

Malami’s declaration of intent to run for governor has ruffled feathers in certain circles. The timing of this “leak” is suspiciously convenient: a month after his announcement, the press is flooded with accusations that have no footing in fact. The only thing the writer has succeeded in doing is confirming that the real loot here is the public’s trust, which is being pilfered by a media outlet willing to peddle baseless allegations for political gain.

3. THE EFCC’S OWN WORDS CONTRADICT THE HYPE

According to the very source quoted, the EFCC “did not say he stole money, but he should account for the loot.” This is a classic case of “we have a question, therefore we must arrest.” The commission’s mandate is to investigate, not to convict in the court of public opinion. By publishing this half‑baked story, the reporter has pre‑empted due process and turned the EFCC into a pawn in a political witch‑hunt.

4. SOLIDARITY WITH ABUBAKAR MALAMI

We stand unequivocally with Mr. Malami. A man who has served Nigeria with distinction at the highest legal office does not deserve to be dragged through the mud on the basis of anonymous whispers and sensationalist prose. His own statements calling the allegations “fabricated” and thanking Allah for divine intervention, should be taken at face value, not dismissed as the desperate denials of a guilty man.

5. A CALL TO THE REPORTER: PUT UP OR SHUT UP

If the writer truly possess any credible evidence that Abubakar Malami has misappropriated funds or is otherwise culpable, we demand that you present it before a competent court of law, any court of your choosing. Do not hide behind the anonymity of “sources.” Either you have proof, or you are merely spreading malicious gossip.

We therefore ask:

✓ Do you have a court order showing the passport seizure?

✓ Do you have documentary evidence linking Malami to the alleged $490 million?

If the answer is “no,” then you owe Malami and the Nigerian public an unqualified retraction and an apology for this egregious assault on his reputation.

CONSEQUENTLY 

The article in question is a textbook example of how not to practice journalism. It trades in half‑truths, anonymous sources, and blatant political bias, all in a bid to sabotage a legitimate political aspirant. We condemn this reckless reporting in the strongest possible terms and call on all fair‑minded Nigerians to reject such propaganda.

The truth, as Malami himself has said, will soon unfold not in the pages of a sensationalist rag, but in the halls of justice where it belongs.