EFCC Seizes Malami’s Passport, Demands Clarification on $490m Abacha Loot
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 repatriated through Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT).
Malami, who was released on bail at about 1 a.m. on Saturday, has been directed to report daily to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for the next one month as investigators scrutinise documents and interrogate him on several issues.
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According to an EFCC fact-sheet, Malami is expected to provide detailed explanations regarding the handling of the recovered funds.
“We did not say he stole the money, but he must account for it,” an EFCC source said. “Considering the volume of documents he needs to review and the detectives he must meet, we seized his international passport. He cannot travel outside the country unless permitted by the EFCC or a High Court.”
The Commission added that it would release its findings to the public after a thorough investigation.
Reacting on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Malami dismissed the allegations as fabricated. While he avoided commenting on the confiscation of his passport, he stated that the “truth will soon unfold.”
“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by the EFCC, I give glory to Allah for His divine intervention. The engagement was successful, and I am released on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations continues to unfold,” he said.
EFCC Seizes Malami’s Passport, Demands Clarification on $490m Abacha Loot