The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized the international passport of former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, as part of its ongoing probe into the alleged $490 million Abacha loot recovered through a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT) request.
A source said Malami is barred from leaving Nigeria for the next month and must report daily to EFCC headquarters in Abuja for further questioning. “The former minister may not travel abroad except with EFCC consent or a High Court order,” the source added. Malami has described the allegations as fabricated, assuring that the truth will soon emerge.
EFCC noted that he has several issues to clarify, including the whereabouts of the recovered Abacha funds. “We didn’t say he stole money, but he should account for the loot. This is one of the issues he will clarify to our investigators,” the source said. The commission cited the large volume of documents and the need for extensive interviews as reasons for seizing his passport.
EFCC emphasized it would not engage in a war of words and plans to release findings after a thorough investigation. On X, Malami reiterated that the claims were fabricated, thanked Allah for divine intervention, and confirmed his release pending further meetings, without addressing the passport seizure.
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