Police take over Malami’s hotel in Kebbi

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have taken control of Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena, properties owned by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), in Kebbi State.

The development is linked to an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into allegations of money laundering and abuse of office involving the former minister. Malami was invited by the anti-graft agency for questioning on November 28 as part of the probe.

The takeover comes amid heightened tension following Malami’s recent claims that EFCC operatives carried out coordinated raids on his offices and private residences in Abuja and Kebbi State, actions he described as threatening and unlawful.

Meanwhile, a former spokesperson for the South-East during President Bola Tinubu’s campaign, Josef Onoh, has criticised Malami over the matter. Onoh accused the former AGF of hypocrisy and a disregard for the rule of law during his tenure in office.

In a statement, Onoh urged Malami to desist from what he described as attempts to blackmail or intimidate the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and instead cooperate fully with investigators by submitting himself to the ongoing probe.

Neither the EFCC nor the police have officially disclosed further details on the takeover of the properties, as investigations continue.