News Update
After he was granted an administrative bail a few days ago, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has finally detained former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
Malami served under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government, but since May 2023 when the tenure of Buhari’s successor, President Bola Tinubu began, he has had an untidy relationship with the Federal Government to the extent that he quit from the All Progressives Congress, APC, and joined the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
About a couple of weeks ago when he was first invited by the EFCC, he publicised the invitation, and promised to make his interactions with the anti-corruption body public.
In keeping with his promise, after he was released same day, he celebrated it publicly and said the truth was gradually, but finally, coming out. But, he never disclosed that his travel documents were impounded.
However, on Tuesday when he visited the EFCC again, he was not that lucky to walk out after his interactions with operatives. He was detained, but would, however be freed if he meets his bail conditions which are, allegedly, stringent, based on the serious allegations levelled against him.
Stashed against him, according to reports, are allegations of terrorism financing, money laundering, operation of suspicious accounts, explanation for his investment of about N10billion in Kebbi State, the whereabouts of $322million Abacha loot recovered from Swiss account and about $22million from Island of Jersey in the UK.
As at 10.00pm Tuesday, the former Minister under whose supervision the EFCC was, was still with the operatives because he was still to meet his bail conditions.
However, Malami vehemently denies the allegations and insists they are against his public records.
A report quoted an unnamed EFCC source, which this medium has been unable to confirm, as saying: ”We have detained the ex-Minister for terrorism financing and the whereabouts of Abacha loot recovered from Switzerland and Island of Jersey in the UK.
“His sudden wealth of N10billion investments in Kebbi State are under investigation. We may attach some of these assets.
“We are likely to interrogate one of his wives on her role on N4billion Anchor Borrowers cash advanced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“He has a lot to clarify but he has not been able to meet bail conditions. He might be with us until he fulfils these.”
Malami rejects ever financing terrorism and flaunts what he describes as the key roles he played in Nigeria’s AML/CFT Reforms and FATF Grey-List exit.