EFCC seizes ex-AGF 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 an ongoing investigation into the whereabouts of $490 million in Abacha loot recovered through Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT).

Malami, who was released on bail at about 1 a.m. on Saturday, is required to report to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja daily for questioning over the next month.

The commission said he is not permitted to travel outside the country without its consent or a court’s approval.

According to an EFCC fact-sheet, Malami must clarify several issues, including accounting for the recovered funds.

“We didn’t say he stole the money, but he should account for the loot,” an official said, adding that the volume of documents and interactions required justified the seizure of his passport.

The EFCC stated it will make its findings public after a thorough investigation.

Reacting on X, Malami dismissed the allegations as fabricated, saying the “truth will soon unfold.”

He confirmed his release but did not comment on the passport seizure.

“The engagement was successful… as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold,” he wrote.