Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has launched a sharp rebuttal against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, over past corruption allegations, insisting that Nigerians can now independently assess “who owns what” among political office holders.
Lamido, speaking in a Hausa-language interview with DCL Hausa, said Malami had at different times dragged him before court over allegations of theft, but maintained that such claims were politically motivated and lacking in substance.
The former governor argued that recent public discourse and emerging scrutiny of political office holders had made it easier for Nigerians to separate facts from politically driven accusations.
“When Abubakar Malami was Minister of Justice, he took me to court and accused me of being a thief,” Lamido said.
“But today, it is clear that what he owns, I do not own. Do I have a hotel in Birnin Kudu or houses in Abuja?”
He maintained that he left public office with a clear record, insisting that his administration in Jigawa State was guided by transparency and accountability.
Lamido further challenged Nigerians to critically evaluate allegations made by politicians against one another, warning that many of such claims are often influenced by political rivalry rather than evidence-based findings.
According to him, public office holders should expect scrutiny, but such scrutiny must be rooted in facts and not propaganda or vendetta.
“People in public office must be ready for scrutiny,” he said. “But what is important is that scrutiny should be based on truth, not politics.”
His comments come amid renewed national conversations around asset declarations, political accountability, and alleged corruption involving high-profile former government officials.
The remarks also follow increasing attention on Malami, who is currently facing investigations by anti-graft agencies over alleged financial impropriety during his tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation.
In recent developments, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to the former justice minister.
The EFCC, in its filing, argued that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and urged the court to uphold earlier interim forfeiture orders.
Some of the listed entities linked to the application include companies such as Rayhaan Bustan and Agro Allied Ltd, Mountain View Gold and Jewellery Ltd, Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd, and Meethaq Hotels Ltd, among others.
The anti-graft agency also said respondents had failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify lifting the interim forfeiture orders already granted by the court.
However, Malami has consistently denied all allegations, describing them as politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
He maintains that his stewardship as Attorney-General was guided by the rule of law and national interest.
Lamido, in his reaction, did not directly reference the ongoing investigations but insisted that public records and personal conduct of political actors would ultimately reveal the truth to Nigerians.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and not be swayed by allegations without supporting evidence, stressing that accountability must cut across all levels of leadership.
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