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 questioning around an ongoing investigation intensified, according to sources familiar with the matter.
An associate of the former minister said Malami was invited for interrogation on Monday but arrived late in the evening, which led to him remaining overnight to continue addressing investigators’ questions.
The associate also revealed that 46 bank accounts allegedly traced to Malami are under scrutiny, forming a significant focus of the EFCC’s probe.
The former AGF is expected to report to the commission daily as the investigation progresses.
Following his 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 continue to unfold,” he said.
Past transactions resurface
In 2023, it was reported that Malami would face questions over at least five controversial transactions during his tenure.
Malami’s name appeared in several disputed deals under the Muhammadu Buhari administration. These included the payment of $496 million to Global Steel Holdings Ltd (GSHL) as settlement for the termination of the Ajaokuta Steel concession—nine years after the company had already waived any claim to compensation.
Another issue is his role in the disposal of assets worth billions of naira forfeited to the EFCC by politically exposed persons.
He is also under scrutiny for the $419 million judgment debt awarded to consultants involved in the Paris Club refund process, as well as the agreement to pay Sunrise Power $200 million compensation in the dispute over the Mambilla power project. Additionally, questions linger over duplicated legal fees linked to transferring $321 million in Abacha loot from Switzerland to Nigeria.
Meanwhile, on November 17, Malami declared his ambition to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi state.
The former AGF left the APC in July and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the move followed “wide consultations and deep personal reflection”. He said he exited the ruling party out of “love for our nation and concern for the hardship our people are facing”.
