Africa Press-Nigeria:
Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has requested for more time to release files containing corruption allegations against former Senator, Dino Melaye.
The Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC) had alleged that files containing claims Melaye was operating foreign bank accounts were retrieved from the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) by the Minister.
Melaye, who represented Kogi West in the Upper Chamber, was accused of using fictitious names to run series of foreign accounts contrary to CCB regulations.
CSNAC said it wrote several letters to Malami claiming the non-release of the files was frustrating efforts to bring the lawmaker to justice.
In a statement on Sunday, the group said Malami had responded and asked for time.
“In a letter addressed to CSNAC Chairman, Mr Olanrewaju Suraju, Malami requested for an extension of time to study the request for the release of the case file,” the statement said in part.
It said in the letter signed by State Counsel, Nafisat Negi Ibrahim, the Minister explained that in view of the nature of the request “the Ministry of Justice demands an extension of time to enable it respond to the request in line with Section 6 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011.”
But, according to CSNAC, the request of the Minister for more time to produce the file was “confusing.”
The group said: “We have received response from the Justice Minister. The language is similar to responses in the past. It’s a case that will be pursued to its logical end until the files are released and Senator Malaye brought to book.”
