Tensions reached a boiling point at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, January 2, 2026, when armed operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) threatened to open fire on each other. The dramatic standoff was triggered by a dispute over which agency had the right to provide security for the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who was present for a bail hearing.
Courtroom Standoff Over Custody and Control
The confrontation reportedly occurred at the entrance to the courtroom, creating a scene that disrupted proceedings and prevented some journalists from entering. The core of the conflict was who should be in charge of Malami's security during his court appearance. Malami had been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre by the court on Tuesday, December 30, pending the hearing of his bail application on January 2.
This jurisdictional clash highlights the often-blurred lines between security agencies during high-profile trials. The situation was so volatile that the hearing for Malami, his son Abdullaziz, and associate Asabe Bashir—who are facing fraud allegations—had to be suspended and rescheduled for January 7.
The Massive Property Portfolio Under Scrutiny
The EFCC's pursuit of Malami is rooted in a vast investigation into properties allegedly linked to the former minister. According to earlier reports, the anti-graft agency has traced 41 properties to Malami, located in Kano, Kebbi, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The portfolio is reported to include hotels, residential buildings, schools, lands, and a printing press. The estimated value of these assets is staggering:
- Properties in Kebbi State: Valued at approximately N162.2 billion.
- Properties in Kano State: Estimated at N16.01 billion.
- Assets in the FCT: Said to be worth around N34.69 billion.
This brings the total estimated value of the properties under investigation to over N212.8 billion.
Public Reaction and Legal Maneuvers
The courtroom drama has sparked significant reactions from Nigerians on social media, with many calling for a swift and transparent judicial process. Comments ranged from skepticism about the eventual outcome to demands for justice and the recovery of alleged stolen wealth.
In a related legal move, Abubakar Malami has formally requested that the Chairman of the EFCC recuse himself from the investigation. Malami alleges political persecution, claiming the probe is motivated by his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He has called on the current Attorney General of the Federation to intervene in the matter.
The incident at the Federal High Court raises serious concerns about inter-agency coordination and protocol during sensitive trials, underscoring the heightened tensions surrounding one of Nigeria's most prominent corruption cases.
