- Ex-AGF to report daily for one month
- Allegations are politically motivated — Malami
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 probe into the handling of $490 million recovered from the Abacha loot under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT).
Malami, who was released on bail around 1:00 a.m. on Saturday after hours of questioning, was directed to report to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja every day for the next 30 days. The condition also restricts him from travelling outside the country without the approval of the commission or a court order.
Sources said the former minister must provide full clarification on the whereabouts of the recovered funds and other related matters during the period.
“We are not accusing him of stealing money, but he must account for the $490 million recovered through MLAT. This is one of the key issues he has to address,” an EFCC source explained, noting that the volume of documents and level of engagement required warranted the seizure of his passport.
The anti-graft agency added that its findings would be made public after a thorough investigation, insisting it would not be distracted by what it termed “braggadocio” from the former minister.
Reacting on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Malami described the allegations as fabricated and politically motivated. He expressed confidence that he would be vindicated.
“The engagement was successful, and I was released while scheduling further sessions as the truth behind these fabricated allegations continues to unfold. I thank Allah for His intervention,” Malami wrote, without mentioning the seizure of his passport.
The probe marks one of the most high-profile investigations involving a former chief legal officer of the nation since the recovery of billions looted under the late military ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha.