The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the bail summons filed by Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and minister of justice, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Babangida Hassan of the Federal High Court, held that Malami’s detention by the EFCC was lawful.

Malami, through his counsel, Suliaman Hassan, had asked the court to grant him bail, arguing that his detention by the commission in the course of an ongoing investigation was illegal.

Jubrin Okutepa, counsel to the EFCC, told the court that the commission was holding Malami pursuant to a valid remand order issued by Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court.

In his ruling, Hassan cited section 35 of the constitution and provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to hold that Malami was lawfully detained under a subsisting remand order.

“Asking this court to grant this application is tantamount to inviting the court to sit as an appellate court over an application made by a court of coordinate jurisdiction, which the court has no power to do,” the judge said.

The EFCC had earlier dismissed claims of political bias, insisting that its operations are apolitical.

The commission was responding to allegations by Malami that his bail was revoked over his alleged attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi state.

Malami, who is under investigation by the commission, is facing 18 allegations bordering on money laundering, abuse of office and terrorism financing.