Case Against Saraki and Ekweremadu in Order – Abubakar Malami

Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, on Wednesday, told senators that there was no going back on the decision to charge the Senate President Bukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu, his deputy for forgery.

Abubakar Malami finally responded to the summons by senators after three weeks, said the charges were in order and were made in the interest of the public, the Punch reported.

The AGF refused to comment on specifics, arguing that speaking on a matter already in court could be termed sub judice.

The AGF also said his being a counsel in one of the three suits in the forgery allegation was not a conflict of interest.

He said his office acted on the police report which revealed that a criminal act had been committed, arguing that section 60 of the constitution empowers him to file charges on cases of criminality.

He however refused to say if the report of the police investigation specifically mentioned Saraki and Ekweremadu as being directly involved in the alleged forgery.

“I was invited to appear before the committee based on a letter which reads ‘Imminent threat to Nigeria democracy’. I have a clear obligation to do whatever should be done within the context of the constitution to sustain the democratic process.

“The issue that constitutes the basis of this invitation is a criminal case instituted against certain members of the Senate. It is an act that predates my appointment. There are series of suits.

“I was appointed on the 12th of November, 2015. That is four months after the investigation was concluded by the NPF. I have an obligation in the sustenance of democracy to institute a legal action from an investigation that has been concluded. It was based on this that I took the action.

“The action was not taken to truncate any democratic process, but was taken to protect democracy. There are now two pending cases in court. One is a civil case instituted by some Senators. The other is a criminal case instituted by the office of the AGF.” Malami said.

He also added that the forgery case was undertaken in the interest of the public and in the interest of democracy; the aim being to prevent abuse of public offices.