Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS) on Friday clashed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, over control of courtroom security during the bail hearing of the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
Malami, along with his son Abdulaziz Malami and one of his wives, Asabe Bashir, are on trial over N8.7 billion fraud.
The charges relate to alleged illegal acquisition of money and landed properties in Abuja, Kano and Kebbi states as well as concealing their illegal origins.
Also read: Malami, son and wife Kuze remain in jail due to stay on bail decision
The defendants were convicted before trial judge Emeka Enwite on 30 December 2025 on 16 counts of money laundering. Following his arraignment, the court ordered his remand at Kuze Correctional Center under the supervision of NCOS and fixed Friday for hearing on his bail pleas.
As a result, the former AGF and his family members spent the New Year in detention.
Tension prevailed ahead of the bail proceedings on Friday when EFCC activists took over the entrance of the courtroom and attempted to control entry and movement. In the process, senior prison officials escorting Malami were prevented from entering the courtroom.
The disagreement quickly escalated into a heated confrontation, with both agencies claiming responsibility for the security of the courtroom.
EFCC officers argued that the case was within their jurisdiction, while NCOS officers insisted that once a defendant is remanded by court order, custody and protection fall entirely under the authority of the Correctional Service.
Eyewitnesses reported that the situation became extremely tense, with workers from both sides reportedly pulling out their weapons during a shouting match, causing panic among court staff, litigants and members of the public.
Armed EFCC operatives supported by armored vehicles were also deployed at the court premises, further escalating tensions.
Journalists and several court attendees were denied entry into the courtroom, with EFCC activists citing limited seating space. However, jail officials said that his presence inside the courtroom was mandatory as part of his official duties.
Normalcy was eventually restored after the intervention of State Security Service (SSS) operatives and the Chief Security Officer of the Federal High Court.
During the hearing, the court considered the defendants' bail applications, which were opposed by the EFCC.
Justice Enyite adjourned the decision on the bail applications until 7 January, effectively extending the defendants' detention by five days.
Following the proceedings, Nigerian Correctional Service officers remanded Malami, his son and wife into custody at Kuje Correctional Centre.
