$16.9m Abacha Loot Deal: EFCC Accuses Ex-AGF Malami Of Massive Corruption, Seeks 14-Day Remand

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has been accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of  massive corruption and abuse of office over an alleged $16.9 million legal fees transaction linked to the recovery of funds looted by late military ruler, Sani Abacha.

Multiple petitions submitted to the anti-graft agency by civil society organisations allege that Malami approved the controversial payment while serving as the nation’s chief law officer. According to the EFCC, the money was allegedly paid to two individuals described as “new lawyers” despite claims that the legal work connected to the Abacha loot recovery had already been concluded by foreign legal firms previously engaged and fully paid by the federal government.

Court documents filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja show that the allegations prompted the EFCC to apply for an order remanding Malami and an associate, Temitope Isaac Adebayo, in its custody for 14 days to allow for further investigation.

In a motion filed ex parte and supported by an affidavit from an EFCC investigator, the commission said the petitions were submitted by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, Karlos Community Development and Empowerment Initiative, and Grassroot Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance.

The EFCC said its preliminary investigation suggested that the $16.9 million payment was unnecessary and potentially fraudulent, alleging that Malami used his office to confer undue benefit on his associate. The commission stated that it had established a prima facie case of criminal conspiracy, corruption, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering.

Beyond the disputed legal fees, the petitions also raised concerns over what was described as Malami’s “unexplained wealth.” The petitioners questioned how the former minister allegedly acquired several high-value assets believed to be inconsistent with his known income as a legal practitioner and public office holder.

Assets listed in the petitions include Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena, a large hospitality and entertainment complex in Birnin Kebbi, as well as Rayhan Rice Mill, Rayhan Private Academy, and Rayhan University, all located in Kebbi State. The petitions also cited multiple residential and commercial properties in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi, some allegedly valued in hundreds of millions of naira.

The petitioners argued that Malami could not have legitimately acquired such assets prior to or during his time in office, urging the EFCC to investigate the sources of funds used to purchase the properties and to freeze any assets and bank accounts linked to him pending the conclusion of the probe.

Additional allegations accused Malami of facilitating the auction of seized crude oil vessels without proper authorisation and distributing luxury vehicles allegedly worth over ?1 billion. He was also accused of attempting to interfere in high-profile corruption cases by recommending the discontinuation of prosecutions involving politically exposed persons.

The EFCC told the court that Malami honoured an invitation to the commission on November 28 and was granted provisional administrative bail under strict conditions. However, the agency alleged that he failed to meet the bail requirements and subsequently jumped bail.

The anti-graft agency further claimed it had intelligence indicating that Malami was planning to leave the country and had begun intimidating potential witnesses connected to the investigation, actions it said could undermine the probe and any eventual prosecution.

On these grounds, the EFCC asked the court to order the remand of Malami and his associate to safeguard the integrity of the investigation, insisting that the petitions were filed in the public interest and that a thorough probe was necessary to protect the integrity of the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.