The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has directed former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, to report daily to its Abuja headquarters for questioning throughout December.
A source within the EFCC said on Monday that the daily appearances are part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged $490 million Abacha loot recovered through a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT) request. Malami, who was summoned on Saturday, has also been barred from leaving Nigeria for the month.
“One of the conditions for his release was that he report daily to the EFCC due to the volume of the investigation and the seriousness of the charges,” the source said. “His passport was seized as part of normal investigative procedures.”
The EFCC said Malami is expected to clarify several issues, including the whereabouts of the recovered funds. “We didn’t say he stole money, but he should account for the loot,” the source added.
Malami, through his media aide Mohammed Doka, described the EFCC probe as a political witch-hunt. He confirmed attending the Nov. 28 session, calling it fruitful, and expressed confidence the investigation would vindicate him. He dismissed the allegations as “baseless, illogical and devoid of substance.”
The EFCC said it would release its findings after completing the investigation, avoiding public confrontation for now.
