Nigeria, Dec. 18 -- Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami on Thursday lost a bid to secure bail for his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, rejected his bail application, saying the former minister is lawfully held by the EFCC.

Citing section 35 of the Nigerian constitution, the judge, Babangida Hassan, held that Mr Malami's detention in EFCC custody since 8 December is backed by a court order and is therefore lawful.

"Asking this court to grant this application is tantamount to inviting the court to sit as an appellate court over an application made by a court of coordinate jurisdiction ...