The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confiscated the international passport of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, as part of an ongoing investigation into the whereabouts of $490 million Abacha loot recovered through the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT).
Malami, who was released on bail at 1 a.m. on Saturday, has been instructed to report daily to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for interrogation over the next month. During this period, he is restricted from travelling outside Nigeria unless granted permission by the EFCC or a court.
EFCC: “He Must Account for the Loot”
According to an internal fact-sheet referenced by investigators, Malami faces several questions regarding the recovered funds.
An EFCC official said:
“We have asked him to explain the whereabouts of the $490 million Abacha loot secured through MLAT.
We didn’t say he stole the money, but he should account for the loot.”
The official added that the seizure of his passport was necessary due to the “huge volume of documents” and “multiple detectives” involved in the investigation.
The EFCC also emphasized that it would make its findings public after a painstaking investigation, dismissing Malami’s earlier public comments as “braggadocio.”
Malami Denies Allegations
Reacting on his X (Twitter) handle, Malami described the allegations against him as fabricated, claiming the truth would soon emerge.
He wrote:
“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 am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations unfolds.”
Malami, however, did not comment on the seizure of his international passport.
Next Steps
Malami is expected to continue answering questions at the EFCC headquarters throughout the coming month, while investigators work through documentation related to the missing Abacha loot. His ability to travel remains restricted until the investigation progresses.
