The nation’s anti-graft trajectory took a decisive turn yesterday as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intensified its scrutiny of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, by seizing his international passport and placing him on a stringent reporting schedule.
Malami, who left the EFCC headquarters at about 1am on Saturday, has been directed to report to investigators daily for the next one month as part of ongoing enquiries into the handling of $490 million traced to the Abacha loot through Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT) frameworks. The move effectively bars him from leaving the country without explicit clearance from either the EFCC or a competent court.
Senior investigators familiar with the development, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Malami has “substantial documentation to clarify” as the agency accelerates efforts to establish the full trajectory of the recovered funds.
“We have asked him to explain the whereabouts of $490 million secured through MLAT,” one official said. “No one has accused him of stealing money, but he must provide a clear account. The volume of paperwork and the number of detectives he must interface with make the retention of his passport a necessary measure.”
The source noted that the former minister’s public posture would not distract the commission from pursuing a meticulous, evidence-driven process.
“We won’t engage with his bravado. Our findings will be made public once investigations are completed,” the official added.
Malami, in a statement on his X account, dismissed the allegations leveled against him as “fabricated,” insisting that the truth would eventually vindicate him. He, however, avoided direct mention of his seized passport or the reporting conditions imposed by the EFCC.
“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for His divine intervention,” he posted. “The engagement was successful, and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold.”
