EFCC detains Malami over alleged terrorism financing, Abacha loot

By Kunle Sanni –

The immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has been questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as investigators probe allegations of terrorism financing and financial misconduct.

According to a report by The Nation newspaper, Malami remained in EFCC custody as of 10 p.m. on Tuesday after failing to meet the agency’s bail requirements.

Investigators said he is expected to provide detailed explanations regarding suspected money-laundering activities, the operation of questionable accounts, and several large financial transactions traced to him during and after his time in office.

Key issues under scrutiny include a reported N10 billion investment linked to him in Kebbi State, as well as the whereabouts of recovered Abacha funds—specifically the $322 million returned from Switzerland and about $22 million repatriated from Jersey.

Despite the mounting inquiries, Malami has denied any link to terrorism financing.

In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), he criticised reports suggesting otherwise, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.