‘The hunters will become hunted’, ‘May justice happen to him’ — Moghalu, Odinkalu, Melaye react to Malami’s arraignment

Kingsley Moghalu, former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chidi Odinkalu, former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, and Dino Melaye, a former senator, have reacted to the arraignment of Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice.

Malami was arraigned on Tuesday alongside his wife and son on 16 counts of alleged money laundering involving billions of naira.

In a post on X, Moghalu said the case highlights the temporary nature of political power in Nigeria, particularly in a system where public office is increasingly detached from competence and integrity.

“By now anyone taking public office in Nigeria should understand the transience of power,” Moghalu wrote, adding that officials who act as though power is permanent often end up facing consequences. He cautioned that his remarks were not a declaration of Malami’s guilt, stressing that the courts must decide the matter.

Odinkalu, also writing on X, recalled Malami’s tenure as justice minister and his role in the removal of former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman Ibrahim Magu. He contrasted Magu’s current quiet retirement with Malami’s present legal troubles.

He noted that Malami, his wife, and son were arraigned by the EFCC on multiple counts of money laundering and remanded at Kuje prison pending their bail application. Odinkalu said the situation carries lessons for those currently close to power and expressed hope that Malami would receive a fair trial.

Melaye said Malami’s court appearance brought back memories of his own prosecutions while Malami was attorney-general. He described the cases against him at the time as frivolous and said Malami had overseen some of them. He concluded by wishing the former minister well.

Malami has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Proceedings continue at the  Federal High Court.