‘The System Is Now Dealing With You’, Sowore Jabs Ex-AGF Malami In Court

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, on Monday, took a swipe at former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, SAN, during a chance encounter at a court premises in Abuja, in a moment that quickly drew public attention.

In a video shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sowore was seen confronting Malami with pointed remarks about his past role in government, particularly under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Now you see how it feels to be persecuted. When you were with former President Buhari then, you were bragging,” Sowore said. “We warned you that the justice system was failing, but you didn’t listen. Now, the system is dealing with you.”

The activist described the encounter as symbolic of what he termed a reversal of roles, accusing the previous administration of undermining human rights and the rule of law.

Sowore wrote in the accompanying pos to the vide: “A chance encounter with Abubakar Malami, SAN, who served as Attorney General under the fascist Muhammadu Buhari regime, a period many Nigerians remember for the erosion of human rights and the rule of law, was the steady erosion of justice. But now the tables have turned.”

The exchange between both men witnessed by a few allies and onlookers, captured in the video, also featured lighter moments. Sowore offered Malami his signature cap, but the former AGF declined, responding, “I have my own cap.”

Sowore then remarked, “I am glad you are strong,” to which Malami replied, “I can never be down as far as Nigeria is concerned.”

In another part of the conversation, Sowore asked Malami if he had been released from prison. The former minister responded, “I have been out.”

Sowore also questioned Malami’s absence from the activities of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to which Malami said he had been attending party functions but had missed the recent Ibadan Opposition Parties Summit held last Saturday.

The encounter comes amid ongoing legal challenges involving the former AGF. Recall that on February 27, an High Court granted bail to Malami and his son in the sum of N200 million each, with two sureties in like sum.

The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned Malami and his son on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

According to the agency, Malami allegedly failed to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers during his tenure as AGF, despite case files reportedly being forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation at the time.