Former AGF Abubakar Malami Spends Night in EFCC Custody as Probe Deepens

Former AGF Abubakar Malami spent night in EFCC custody as his probe deepens.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, spent Monday night at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as his interrogation over an ongoing corruption probe intensified.

According to an associate, Malami was invited for questioning earlier on Monday but arrived at the EFCC office late in the evening, prompting investigators to extend the session into the night. He remained in custody to continue responding to queries surrounding the investigation.

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The source also revealed that at least 46 bank accounts allegedly linked to the former minister are currently under scrutiny. These accounts reportedly form a significant part of the EFCC’s expanding line of inquiry. Malami is expected to report to the commission daily until the investigation progresses further.

Malami had earlier been questioned on November 29. After that session, he wrote on X that the interaction was “successful” and that he had been scheduled for additional engagement with investigators as “the truth relating to the fabricated allegations” unfolds.

In 2023, NewsOnline reported that Malami faced questions over multiple suspicious transactions during his tenure in office under the Muhammadu Buhari administration. His name has been linked to several controversial deals, including:

• The $496 million payment to Global Steel Holdings Ltd (GSHL) over the Ajaokuta Steel concession, despite the company having earlier waived claims for compensation.

• The management and sale of assets worth billions of naira forfeited to the EFCC by politically exposed persons.

• His involvement in the $419 million judgment debt to consultants who claimed to have facilitated Paris Club refunds.

• The proposed $200 million compensation to Sunrise Power in the long-running Mambilla power project dispute.

• Allegations of duplicated legal fees in the repatriation of $321 million Abacha loot from Switzerland.

Meanwhile, Malami recently declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State. He resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July and defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the move followed “wide consultations and deep personal reflection” driven by concern for the economic hardship facing Nigerians.