Malami Trial: AYPA Accuses EFCC, Media of Selective Reporting in Malami Trial

Group urges balanced coverage, says former AGF should not be convicted through headlines

The Arewa Youth Progressive Alliance (AYPA) has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and some sections of the media of engaging in selective reporting of the ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

The group alleged that certain reports on the proceedings have created a one-sided narrative capable of influencing public opinion against Malami and his co-defendants, rather than allowing the evidence presented before the court to determine the outcome of the case.


In a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Adam Umar Adam, AYPA expressed concern over what it described as an attempt to “manufacture public guilt” through sensational headlines and incomplete accounts of court proceedings.

The group’s reaction followed reports surrounding the testimony of the fifth prosecution witness, a compliance officer with Jaiz Bank, in which alleged multi-million naira transactions linked to Alkausar Farms were highlighted by some media organisations.

AYPA, however, argued that several key issues raised during cross-examination were omitted from public reports.

According to the group, the witness admitted before the court that she was not the account officer responsible for the account in question and confirmed that none of the defendants including Malami, his wife, or son was a signatory to the Alkausar Farms account presented as evidence.

The alliance further stated that the witness also informed the court that none of the transactions recorded in the account originated from the Federal Ministry of Justice, adding that no payments were made between the ministry and the account.

“These are central facts that go to the heart of the public narrative being promoted around this case. Yet many reports chose to highlight deposits and transfers while ignoring the witness’s clear admission that none of the defendants was a signatory to the account,” AYPA said.

The group maintained that the testimony did not establish that the funds in the account belonged to Malami, that he controlled the account, or that the transactions were proceeds of unlawful activities.

AYPA also noted that available records showed that Alkausar Farms was established in 2008, years before Malami became Attorney-General of the Federation, stressing that the business was not founded by him.

The group warned that linking individuals to alleged wrongdoing without establishing ownership, control, beneficial interest, or a direct connection to criminal activity could mislead the public.

AYPA called on journalists covering the trial to ensure fairness and balance by reporting both the examination-in-chief and cross-examination aspects of proceedings, especially where court testimony provides clarification on allegations.

“We are not asking for special treatment for Malami or any other defendant. We are demanding fairness, balance and respect for the principle that every citizen remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law,” the statement added.

The alliance also urged the EFCC to exercise professionalism and restraint in its public communications concerning ongoing legal matters, warning that selective narratives could undermine public confidence in the justice system.

It stressed that only the court has the authority to determine guilt or innocence, adding that no Nigerian should be convicted through media reports or social media commentary before a final judicial decision.