The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, into custody over allegations of terrorism financing and other financial crimes.
Reports indicate that Malami was unable to meet the conditions of his previously granted bail, prompting the anti-graft agency to detain him.
An EFCC source confirmed that as of 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Malami remained in custody due to his non-compliance with the bail requirements.
Detention Linked to Terror Financing and Recovered Abacha Loot
The source revealed that the detention is connected to investigations into terrorism financing and the management of funds recovered from the late Sani Abacha’s stash in Switzerland and Jersey, UK.
“We have detained him over terrorism financing and the whereabouts of Abacha loot recovered from Switzerland and the Island of Jersey in the UK,” the EFCC official said. “He will remain in custody until he fulfills the necessary requirements.”
Non-Compliance with Bail Conditions
The EFCC clarified that Malami’s continued detention also stems from his failure to meet bail conditions.
“He was initially granted bail but did not meet the stipulated conditions,” the source said. “He remains in our custody, and this is just one of several offences under investigation.”
Facing Multiple Allegations
Authorities disclosed that Malami is currently under investigation for 18 separate offences, including money laundering, abuse of office, and terrorism financing.
“At present, we are probing him for 18 offences. The exact sums involved are still being assessed as new transactions are uncovered during the investigation,” the EFCC source added.
Daily Interrogations Ordered
As part of the ongoing probe, the EFCC has ordered Malami to appear daily throughout December for questioning regarding the recovered Abacha funds and other related financial dealings.
Malami Denies Wrongdoing
Responding to the allegations, Malami described the claims as “fabricated” and defended his record.
“For the avoidance of doubt, my public record in office stands in direct contradiction to any insinuation of complicity in terrorism financing,” he stated. “During my tenure, I collaborated with government institutions to strengthen Nigeria’s legal framework against money laundering and terrorism financing, not weaken it.”
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The EFCC investigation remains active as authorities work to clarify Malami’s involvement in the handling of recovered Abacha funds and other financial matters.
