The Hunters Will Become the Hunted’ | ‘May Justice Happen to Him’ — Moghalu, Odinkalu React to Malami’s Trial
Prominent Nigerians have reacted to the ongoing prosecution of Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, following his arraignment on multiple counts of alleged money laundering.
Malami was on Tuesday docked alongside members of his family over 16 counts bordering on alleged financial crimes involving billions of naira. The development has triggered sharp reactions from public commentators and former public office holders.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kingsley Moghalu, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, described the trial as a reminder of how fleeting political power can be.
According to Moghalu, Nigeria’s public office space has increasingly drifted away from competence and integrity, warning that the illusion of power often collapses once office holders leave the corridors of influence. He noted that history repeatedly shows how those who once wield authority can quickly find themselves answering to the law.
Human rights lawyer and former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, was more pointed in his reaction. He said the development reflects a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics where “the hunters eventually become the hunted.” Odinkalu stressed that accountability must be allowed to take its full course, irrespective of past influence or position.
Former senator Dino Melaye also weighed in, expressing hope that justice would be served without fear or favour. In his words, “May justice happen to him,” a statement that has since sparked widespread debate and engagement online.
The case against Malami comes amid renewed public scrutiny of former public officials and growing calls for stronger anti-corruption enforcement. While Malami has yet to publicly respond in detail to the reactions, the trial is widely seen as a major test of Nigeria’s justice system and its willingness to hold powerful figures accountable.
