Former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore encountered former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, SAN, in court premises and seized the moment to highlight the dramatic reversal of fortunes between the two men. The chance meeting occurred as Malami, who served as Justice Minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, now faces multiple corruption charges that threaten his freedom.
Sowore's Courtroom Remarks
Speaking directly to Malami in court, Sowore said: "You see how it feels now to be persecuted now, when you were with Buhari that time, you were bragging, we warned you then that there’s failure in the justice system but you didn’t listen and now the system is dealing with you."
Malami's Controversial Tenure
During Malami's tenure as Attorney General, he oversaw several high-profile cases involving activists and government critics, including Sowore, who was detained for calling for political protests. Those episodes sparked debates on civil liberties and state power boundaries. At the time, Malami defended the government's actions, insisting the law was applied within constitutional limits.
Legal Challenges Under New Political Climate
Years later, Malami now faces his own legal battles under a different political environment. Reports link him to corruption allegations involving public funds. He has been standing trial and dealing with extended court proceedings. Sowore later posted about the encounter on social media, describing it as a symbolic moment.
"A chance encounter with Abubakar Malami, SAN, who served as Attorney General under the fascist Muhammadu Buhari regime, a period many Nigerians remember for the erosion of human rights and the rule of law, was the steady erosion of justice. But now the tables have turned," Sowore wrote.
Public Reactions
Many Nigerians reacted to the clip, noting lessons for every man. @IchieOnodugo said: "Sowore should've worded some comments appropriately. It came out as a fight between two corrupt institutions, one from the North and the other from the Southwest, taking turns to show that they can abuse power. Except if that's what he meant."
@valpaschal7 said: "This sowore na game master. Imagine if malami loose guard collect that cap?"
@OakfieldSzn said: "Sowore really waited for the plot twist to drop this bar. Malami in Buhari era: 'the system works' Malami in court now: experiencing the system. The justice system is like Nigerian network. It only starts buffering when it’s your turn to download."
@darlingbayo said: "Sowore na clown. He used better style enter the man well well. He made sure his point is very clear. Saying it as it should be. Sowore and his doings."
@VICtorNV47 said: "Now that a seasoned politician he knows the implication of even collecting that cap, so Sowore strategy is to try to be on the side of rich and influential people with court cases so that when they get out they can become members of his party."
EFCC Seals Malami's Residence
Earlier, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday, March 24, took steps to assume control of the Maitama residence of former Attorney General Abubakar Malami in Abuja. Officials of the commission, reportedly led by Folarin Dare, arrived at the property in several buses and restricted access to the area.
