EFCC Confiscates Malami’s Passport, Investigates Missing $490m Abacha Loot
From Our Correspondent
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized the international passport of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), as part of an ongoing investigation into the handling of $490 million recovered from the Abacha loot under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT).
Malami, who was released on bail around 1:00 a.m. on Saturday after hours of questioning, was instructed to report to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja daily for the next 30 days. The condition also prevents him from traveling outside the country without the approval of the commission or a court order.
Sources stated that the former minister must provide full clarification on the whereabouts of the recovered funds and other related issues during this period.
“We are not accusing him of stealing money, but he must account for the $490 million recovered through MLAT. This is one of the key issues he has to address,” an EFCC source explained, noting that the volume of documents and level of engagement necessary justified the seizure of his passport.
The anti-corruption agency added that its findings would be made public after a thorough investigation, emphasizing that it would not be distracted by what it called “braggadocio” from the former minister.
Reacting on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Malami described the allegations as fabricated and politically motivated. He expressed confidence that he would be exonerated.
“The engagement was successful, and I was released while scheduling further sessions as the truth behind these fabricated allegations continues to unfold. I thank Allah for His intervention,” Malami wrote, without mentioning the seizure of his passport.
This investigation marks one of the most high-profile probes involving a former chief legal officer of the nation since the recovery of billions of dollars looted under the late military ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha.
