EFCC Seizes Malami’s Passport, Intensifies Probe Into $490m Abacha Loot
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confiscated the international passport of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, as part of an ongoing investigation into the recovery of $490 million in Abacha loot facilitated through Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT).
Malami was grilled for several hours on Friday at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. He was later released on administrative bail around 1 a.m. on Saturday, with strict conditions attached.
According to EFCC officials, the former minister is required to report to the agency’s office daily for the next month while the investigation continues. He is also barred from travelling outside the country without formal clearance.
“He is not accused of stealing the funds, but he must explain what happened to the recovered money,” an EFCC source said. “We asked him to account for the $490 million. His passport was seized because he has many documents to review and investigators to meet.”
The anti-graft agency said its findings would be made public at the conclusion of the probe.
Malami, meanwhile, dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated. Writing on his X handle, he confirmed he had concluded his session with the EFCC and expressed confidence that the truth would soon be revealed, although he made no mention of his confiscated passport.
“I give glory to Allah for His divine intervention,” he posted. “I have been released and will continue to honour the scheduled engagements as the truth unfolds.”
