Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) reportedly clashed on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja over security arrangements during the ongoing trial of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
Legit9ja gathered that the confrontation arose from a disagreement between both agencies over which should be in charge of security during the court proceedings involving the former minister.
Sources at the court disclosed that tensions heightened as officials from the EFCC and the NCoS each claimed authority over access control and security at the court premises, particularly at the entrance of the courtroom.
The situation reportedly escalated to the point where operatives from both sides allegedly issued threats against one another over the dispute.
Due to the standoff, journalists covering the trial were subjected to extra security checks, as both agencies insisted on screening members of the press before granting them access. Some journalists were eventually denied entry into the courtroom, with officials explaining that the courtroom had reached full capacity.
It would be recalled that on December 30, the Federal High Court ordered that Malami be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending January 2, when his bail application is scheduled to be heard.
Malami is facing trial alongside his son, Abdullaziz, and one Asabe Bashir over alleged fraud-related offences.