EFCC Seizes Malami’s Passport, Probes $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 its ongoing investigation into the whereabouts of $490 million in Abacha loot reportedly recovered through Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT).

Malami, who was released on bail around 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, is restricted from travelling outside the country for the next one month. One of the conditions for his release is that he must report daily to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for continued interrogation.

According to an EFCC fact-sheet, the former minister has several issues to clarify before investigators.

A senior EFCC official said:

“We have asked him to explain the whereabouts of the $490 million Abacha loot secured through MLAT. We didn’t say he stole the money, but he should account for it. This is one of the issues he must clarify.

Considering the volume of documents involved and the number of detectives he must interface with, we seized his passport. He cannot leave the country unless mutually agreed with the EFCC or with a High Court’s permission.

We won’t join issues with him over his braggadocio. Our findings will be made public after a thorough investigation.”

Reacting on his X handle, Malami described the allegations against him as “fabricated” and expressed optimism that “the truth will soon unfold.” However, he did not comment on the seizure of his passport.

He wrote:

“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for His divine intervention. 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 continues to unfold.”