EFCC Detains Ex-AGF Malami Over Abacha Loots, Terrorism Financing

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, after he failed to meet the bail conditions previously granted to him by the anti-graft agency.

Dependable NG reports that a source from the commission confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stating that Malami remained in custody until 10 p.m. on Tuesday due to his failure to comply with the bail requirements.

The former minister is being interrogated by the anti-graft agency to account for various issues relating to money laundering, particularly the operation of suspicious accounts, and his role in the recovered Abacha loot.

An EFCC source confirmed the detention, stating: “We have detained him over terrorism financing and the whereabouts of Abacha loot recovered from Switzerland and the Island of Jersey in the UK. He would remain in custody until he fulfils the requirements.”

The source further elaborated on the legal reason for his current detention: “We arrested him for not meeting his bail conditions and he will remain in our custody until he meets those conditions. He is presently in our custody. He was initially granted bail but did not meet the conditions. The offences against him are many.”

The anti-graft agency had instructed the former minister to appear daily for interrogation throughout December. The EFCC source disclosed that they are currently investigating Malami for 18 different offenses, including money laundering, abuse of office, and terrorism financing.

“We cannot put a figure to the amount involved now because we keep uncovering some of the deals as we investigate,” the source added.