Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, spent Monday night at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as interrogations intensified over an ongoing investigation.
According to an associate of the former minister, Malami was invited for questioning on Monday but arrived late in the evening, which led to him staying overnight to continue responding to investigators’ queries.
The associate also disclosed that 46 bank accounts allegedly linked to Malami are under investigation, forming a major part of the EFCC’s probe.
Malami is expected to report to the EFCC daily as the investigation continues.
Following an earlier interrogation on November 29, the former AGF said in a post on X that the session “was successful” and that he had been scheduled for “further engagement” with investigators.
“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,” he wrote.
FIVE SUSPICIOUS MEGA DEALS
In 2023, it was reported that Malami would be questioned over at least five suspicious transactions during his time in office.
His name featured prominently in a number of questionable deals under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
The transactions include:
The mysterious payment of $496 million to Global Steel Holdings Ltd (GSHL) as settlement for the termination of the Ajaokuta Steel concession, nearly a decade after the company had waived any compensation claims.
His role in the sale of assets worth billions of naira forfeited to the EFCC by politically exposed persons.
His involvement in the $419 million judgment debt awarded to consultants who claimed to have facilitated the Paris Club refunds to states.
The agreement to pay Sunrise Power $200 million as compensation in its dispute with the federal government over the Mambilla power project.
Issues surrounding duplicated legal fees in the repatriation of the $321 million Abacha loot from Switzerland.
Meanwhile, on November 17, Malami declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi state.
He resigned from the APC in July and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stating that his decision followed “wide consultations and deep personal reflection” and was motivated by “love for our nation and concern for the hardship our people are facing.”
