The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, into custody following serious allegations of terrorism financing and multiple financial crimes. This development comes after Malami reportedly failed to meet the bail conditions previously granted to him, prompting the anti-graft agency to take decisive action and detain him while investigations continue.
A source from the EFCC confirmed that Malami remained in custody as of 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, citing his inability to fulfill the bail requirements. The source emphasized that the commission is determined to ensure compliance with its directives and will continue its probe without interruptions.
Detention Linked to Terror Financing and Abacha Loot
The EFCC source explained that the detention is directly connected to allegations of terrorism financing and the ongoing investigation into the whereabouts of Abacha loot recovered from Switzerland and the Island of Jersey in the United Kingdom. Authorities are keen on uncovering the details of financial transactions related to the recovered funds and clarifying Malami’s role in these dealings.
”We have detained him over terrorism financing and issues surrounding the Abacha loot recovered abroad,” the EFCC source said. ”He will remain in our custody until he fulfills the requirements set by the commission.”
Failure to Meet Bail Conditions
The commission confirmed that Malami was initially granted bail but failed to comply with its conditions, which necessitated his continued detention. ”We arrested him for not meeting his bail conditions, and he will remain in our custody until he meets those conditions,” the EFCC source stated. ”He is presently in our custody, and the offences against him are numerous and serious.”
Investigations Cover 18 Alleged Offences
Authorities revealed that Malami is currently under investigation for 18 separate offences. ”Presently, we are investigating him for 18 different offences, including money laundering, abuse of office, and terrorism financing,” the EFCC source stated. ”We cannot yet quantify the total amount involved, as new transactions and connections continue to emerge as our probe progresses.”
Daily Interrogation Orders
As part of the ongoing investigation, the EFCC has instructed Malami to appear daily for questioning throughout December. This measure ensures thorough scrutiny of the recovered Abacha loot, his financial dealings, and any related transactions under investigation by the commission.
Malami Denies Wrongdoing
In response to the allegations, Malami insisted that the claims against him were fabricated. ”For the avoidance of doubt, my public record in office stands in direct contradiction to any insinuation of complicity in terrorism financing,” he said. Malami further emphasized that during his tenure as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, he collaborated with relevant government arms and institutions to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and institutional frameworks against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, rather than weakening them.
”During my tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, I worked with other arms of government and relevant institutions to strengthen—not weaken—Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework against money laundering and terrorism financing,” Malami added. He categorically denied any involvement in the mismanagement or diversion of recovered Abacha funds.
The EFCC continues its investigation into Malami’s alleged involvement in terrorism financing and the handling of recovered Abacha loot. The commission is focused on uncovering all relevant financial activities, ensuring accountability, and bringing clarity to the ongoing legal proceedings. Authorities have stressed that the probe remains active and that Malami’s detention will continue until all conditions are met and inquiries are satisfactorily addressed.