The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken significant action by seizing the international passport of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN. This measure is part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of $490 million from the Abacha loot, which was reportedly secured through a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT) request.
According to a credible source within the EFCC, Malami is currently barred from leaving Nigeria for at least a month. As a condition for his release, he is required to report daily to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for further questioning. The source indicated that Malami will only be permitted to travel outside the country with the mutual agreement of the EFCC or a High Court order.
Malami has publicly dismissed the allegations against him as fabricated, asserting that the truth will emerge in due time. He is expected to clarify the status of the $490 million Abacha loot during his ongoing interactions with the EFCC. The commission clarified that while it does not accuse him of theft, it seeks accountability regarding the funds in question.
The EFCC cited the extensive documentation and interviews required for their investigation as the rationale behind the passport seizure. The commission aims to conduct a thorough investigation without engaging in public disputes, promising to release its findings once the inquiry is complete.
In a statement on social media platform X, Malami expressed gratitude for divine intervention and characterized his engagement with the EFCC as successful, although he did not comment specifically on the passport seizure. He reiterated his belief that the allegations are unfounded and that the truth will ultimately be revealed.
