By Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed.
The recent court-ordered forfeiture of properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has once again ignited intense public debate. While the sheer number and value of the assets have naturally attracted widespread attention, it is important that Nigerians separate legal proceedings from public judgment.
One of the greatest challenges faced by public office holders in Nigeria is how quickly reputations can be damaged. In today's environment, allegations alone are often enough to convict a person in the court of public opinion, long before the legal process has run its course. Headlines spread rapidly, social media amplifies every accusation, and many people reach conclusions before all the facts are presented. Yet, our justice system is founded on a different principle: every individual is entitled to due process and a fair hearing.
A forfeiture order, significant as it may be, is part of a legal process. The law provides mechanisms for parties to challenge such decisions through appeals and other judicial remedies. Until those processes are exhausted, it is only fair that the public refrain from making final judgments about anyone's guilt or innocence.
Abubakar Malami served Nigeria as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice for eight years under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Throughout his tenure, he occupied one of the most demanding public offices in the country, overseeing legal reforms, international asset recovery efforts, and the prosecution of several high-profile cases. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his decisions in office, his years of public service deserve to be assessed with fairness rather than prejudice.
History has shown that public figures have, on occasion, been subjected to investigations or legal proceedings that were later overturned, modified, or resolved in their favour. This is precisely why the rule of law exists—not to satisfy public sentiment, but to ensure that justice is based on evidence, established legal principles, and independent judicial determination.
It is also important to remember that fighting corruption and protecting civil liberties are not mutually exclusive. A credible anti-corruption campaign must be conducted within the boundaries of the law, respecting the constitutional rights of every citizen, regardless of status or political affiliation. If the evidence ultimately supports the government's case, the courts will uphold it. If not, the same judicial system provides the opportunity for correction.
Nigerians should therefore avoid celebrating or condemning individuals solely on the basis of ongoing legal proceedings. Once a person's reputation is unfairly tarnished, it is often difficult to restore, even if subsequent legal decisions vindicate them. Justice should not be driven by emotion, politics, or media narratives, but by facts, evidence, and the impartial application of the law.
The true strength of any democracy lies not in how quickly it condemns its citizens, but in how faithfully it protects the principles of fairness, due process, and the presumption of innocence. Those principles should apply to every Nigerian—including Abubakar Malami, SAN.
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