In a powerful display of cross-party unity and defiance against perceived political persecution, former Adamawa State Governor His Excellency Muhammad Jibrila Bindow (also known as Bindow Jibrila Umar), former Minister of State for Education Dr. Emeka Nwajuba, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Legal Adviser Professor Oserheimen Osunbor paid an emotional solidarity visit to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
The high-profile trio stormed Malami’s Abuja residence shortly after his dramatic release on bail, offering unwavering support following months of harrowing ordeals at the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). Sources close to the meeting described scenes of firm handshakes, heartfelt embraces, and resolute declarations that “no amount of intimidation will silence a man of integrity.”
Malami’s nightmare began in late December 2025 when EFCC operatives swooped in, arraigning him alongside his wife, Hajia Asabe Bashir Malami, and son, Abdulaziz Malami, on explosive 16-count charges of money laundering and fraud allegedly involving over N9 billion. The Federal High Court in Abuja granted them bail on January 7, 2026, at N500 million each with stringent surety conditions. But the drama escalated within hours: as Malami perfected his bail and stepped out of Kuje Correctional Centre, DSS agents allegedly rearrested him on fresh allegations of terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession — charges many insiders dismiss as trumped-up and politically motivated.
For weeks, the former AGF endured prolonged detention, denied prompt access to his lawyers and family, sparking nationwide outrage over what critics slammed as a blatant assault on the rule of law. In a stunning twist, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court granted Malami and his son fresh N200 million bail in the DSS case on February 27, 2026, while the EFCC matter saw previous bail terms revoked, paving the way for new applications and trial resumption.
Malami has consistently pleaded not guilty, maintaining his innocence and decrying the sequence of events as selective justice targeting former public servants.
The political undertones are impossible to ignore. Malami, a towering figure who served loyally as Nigeria’s chief law officer under President Muhammadu Buhari, has since emerged as a key strategist and leader within the opposition ADC coalition. His bold criticism of the current administration’s policies has positioned him as a formidable voice ahead of the 2027 polls.
Analysts say the timing of the arrests — coming amid growing defections to the ADC and alliances with figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, who have also shown public solidarity — reeks of a calculated witch-hunt to cripple emerging opposition strongholds.
Professor Osunbor, leveraging his extensive legal expertise as a former Edo State Governor, two-term senator, and Professor of Law, vowed the party’s full legal firepower, declaring the ADC’s resolute backing to ensure Malami’s fundamental rights are fiercely protected and that the trials are conducted with fairness.
Malami, visibly elated but composed, thanked his visitors for their courage. Insiders say he reaffirmed his faith in Nigeria’s judiciary and pledged to continue fighting for equity, transparency, and good governance — values he championed throughout his distinguished career. His family’s ordeal, involving the temporary detention of loved ones, has only deepened public sympathy, with many Nigerians viewing him as a symbol of resilience against systemic harassment.
This solidarity visit is not isolated. It comes on the heels of similar gestures from ADC chieftains and opposition heavyweights, signaling a growing coalition determined to resist what they call “vendetta politics.” As Malami’s trials continue — with fresh bail hearings fixed and the nation watching closely — one message rings loud: a respected SAN who once defended the Federation is now being defended by the people.
In the words of those present, “Malami’s story is Nigeria’s story — a testament that truth and solidarity will always triumph over persecution.” The visit has ignited fresh hope that justice, not politics, will ultimately prevail.
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