Former AGF Malami Detained by EFCC

By Hajara Abdullahi

The former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday.

EFCC had earlier invited Malami last week over leaked transactions linked to the recovery of the Abacha loot but later released him.

The arrest was confirmed by a senior EFCC official who stated that the former minister would remain in custody until he fulfils his bail requirements.

“We arrested him for not meeting his bail conditions, and he will remain in our custody until he meets those conditions,” the official said.

Another EFCC source, who also confirmed Malami’s detention, disclosed that he is being investigated for multiple offences.

“He is presently in our custody. He was initially granted bail but did not meet the conditions. The offences against him are many. Currently, we are investigating him for 18 different offences. Some of them include money laundering, abuse of office, and terrorism financing. We cannot put a figure to the amount involved now because we keep uncovering more deals as we investigate,” the source said.

In a statement released on November 29 on X, Malami acknowledged his interrogation by the commission, describing the engagement as successful while insisting that the allegations against him were fabricated.

“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for His divine intervention. The engagement was successful, and I was eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold,” he said.

However, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comments.