The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, after he failed to meet the bail conditions earlier granted to him.
A senior official of the commission, who confirmed the development on Tuesday night, said Malami remained in custody as of 10:00 p.m. for his inability to satisfy the bail requirements.
According to the source, the former minister is being questioned over several allegations, including money laundering, abuse of office, terrorism financing, and issues surrounding the management of recovered Abacha loot from Switzerland and the Island of Jersey.
“We have detained him over terrorism financing and the whereabouts of the Abacha loot recovered from Switzerland and Jersey. He will remain in custody until he fulfils the bail conditions,” the official said.
The source added that Malami had initially been granted bail but was taken back into custody after he failed to meet the conditions.
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“The offences against him are many. He was granted bail but did not meet the terms. He is presently in our custody,” the official stated.
The EFCC is said to be investigating 18 different allegations involving the former minister.
The source noted that investigators had not yet determined the total amount involved, as fresh discoveries continue to emerge.
Malami Denies Allegations
Malami, however, dismissed the allegations, describing them as baseless.
“For the avoidance of doubt, my public record in office stands in direct contradiction to any insinuation of complicity in terrorism financing.
During my tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, I worked with other arms of government and relevant institutions to strengthen not weaken Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework against money laundering and the financing of terrorism,” he said.
The former minister had been directed to appear at the EFCC daily throughout December for interrogation over the $499 million Abacha loot probe and related matters.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
