EFCC detains Malami over alleged corruption

The former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), is currently being held in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after failing to meet his bail conditions.
‎
Malami’s detention follows his second appearance for questioning in less than two weeks regarding allegations linked to his eight-year tenure as the nation’s chief law officer under the Buhari administration.
‎
The EFCC is reportedly investigating Malami for up to 18 alleged offences and questioning over multiple complex financial matters which includes, money laundering, abuse of office, terrorism financing, and the duplication of legal fees related to the recovery of the Abacha loot.
‎
Investigators are questioning Malami about the whereabouts of the $322.5 million recovered from Switzerland and about $22 million recovered from the Island of Jersey, which are parts of the Abacha loot.
‎
Other investigations include the N10 billion investments in Kebbi State, an investigation into 46 bank accounts allegedly linked to him, and the alleged role of one of his wives in the disbursement of N4 billion from the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme.
‎
Malami was initially granted administrative bail following his first interrogation on November 28, but was re-arrested on Monday, December 8 and has remained in custody after failing to satisfy the requirements of his bail bond, which reportedly included producing two permanent secretaries as sureties.
‎
The former AGF has denied all allegations, insisting they are baseless, illogical, and politically motivated.
‎
Malami has issued statements arguing that the accusation of duplicating the Abacha loot recovery fees is false, stressing that no funds had been lodged into the Federation Account prior to his assumption of office. He claims the Nigerian law firm hired for the recovery saved the country substantial funds by accepting a 5% success fee, rejecting higher demands from foreign counsel.
‎
‎He denied all suggestions of complicity in terrorism financing, making reference to his public record in office, which included strengthening Nigeria’s anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) framework through the establishment of the independent Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the passage of relevant acts.
‎
Malami stated that the allegations are being politically manipulated by his opponents ahead of his declared intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
‎
‎
‎