HURIWA Demands Professional Sanctions Against Malami

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for professional sanctions against former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), if findings contained in the latest International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration award on the Mambilla hydropower dispute, are found to constitute professional misconduct.

HURIWA, in a statement issued yesterday by its national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, commended the incumbent attorney-general of the federation, Lateef Fagbemi and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for their efforts to protect Nigeria from potentially substantial financial liabilities arising from the long-running dispute.

The group said the 616-page final award delivered in Paris on September 16, 2026, rejected Sunrise Power’s claims and contained serious findings concerning the handling of the dispute by Malami.
According to HURIWA, the tribunal found that settlement agreements involving Sunrise Power were products of corruption and unenforceable on grounds of Nigerian public policy.

It also alleged that the tribunal concluded that Malami acted against Nigeria’s interests during the renegotiation of the settlement terms.

HURIWA further said the tribunal found that Malami and former minister of power, Saleh Mamman, lacked the authority to bind the federal government without presidential approval.

The organisation said the tribunal also found that Malami continued to seek presidential approval for the settlement after former President Muhammadu Buhari had rejected the proposed agreement.

Describing the findings as serious, HURIWA urged the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and other relevant professional bodies to examine the contents of the award within their statutory mandates.

It said disciplinary proceedings should be initiated if the evidence establishes a prima facie case of professional misconduct.

The group further called on the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee to take appropriate action concerning Malami’s rank as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria if any disciplinary proceedings establish professional misconduct warranting such action.

“No professional distinction, however prestigious, should place any lawyer beyond accountability where credible findings raise questions about adherence to professional ethics and the duty owed to the Nigerian state,” HURIWA said.

The organisation also urged the EFCC to continue its investigation into matters connected with the Mambilla dispute in accordance with the law and due process.