A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Thursday rejected a bail application filed by former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who is currently under the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Babangida Hassan ruled that he could not grant bail because a court of coordinate jurisdiction had already issued a remand order authorising the EFCC to detain Malami for further investigation.

Malami, a prominent figure in the opposition coalition and Kebbi State governorship aspirant, has been in EFCC custody since last Monday over allegations of fund misappropriation. He had requested bail through his lawyer, Senior Advocate Sulaiman Hassan, arguing that his detention was unlawful.

However, EFCC counsel, Senior Advocate Jibrin Okutepa, stated that the commission was acting under a valid remand order issued by Justice S.C. Oriji of an FCT High Court, emphasising that the EFCC does not hold suspects beyond lawful limits without court approval.

In delivering his judgment, Justice Hassan cited Section 35 of the Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), affirming that Malami’s detention was lawful. He also noted that granting bail would effectively make the court act as an appellate body over a coordinate jurisdiction, which is beyond its authority.