For the second night running, the expansive detention facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja played host to a familiar but unexpected figure: Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Once one of the most powerful officials in Nigeria’s security and justice architecture, Malami now finds himself at the centre of an intensifying corruption probe that touches on some of the most contentious financial dealings of the Buhari administration.
A Fall From Power
Malami, who in mid-2025 defected from the ruling APC to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in pursuit of his 2027 Kebbi governorship ambition, had arrived at the EFCC headquarters late on Monday following an invitation. What began as a routine interrogation session soon stretched into the night—and then into a second day—as investigators expanded their questioning.
By Tuesday night, he remained in custody. Sources told TheCable that despite frantic efforts by his allies, the former minister was unable to meet the stringent bail conditions set by the anti-graft agency.
The 18 Allegations
According to officials familiar with the investigation, Malami is being grilled over 18 alleged offences ranging from money laundering to abuse of office and suspected terrorism financing. Each allegation reaches back into his years as the government’s chief law officer—years that saw repeated controversies over his role in the recovery and management of high-profile national assets.
At the top of the EFCC’s inquiry is the handling of the $346.2 million Abacha loot repatriated from Switzerland and additional funds returned from Jersey Island. Investigators reportedly want explanations for discrepancies in documentation and the management structure used for the recoveries.
The former minister is also facing questions over the alleged mismanagement of N4 billion said to have come through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme—funds investigators believe may have been diverted.
Beyond federal recoveries, Malami is being probed for alleged N10 billion investments linked to him. These include private schools, hotels, and rice mills in Kebbi State, assets which sources say do not match his legitimate earnings.
As part of the widening dragnet, up to 46 bank accounts allegedly connected to the former AGF are now under scrutiny.
A Probe Years in the Making
The current investigation revives older questions first raised in a 2023 Cable investigation that spotlighted at least five transactions handled under Malami’s watch:
- The controversial $496 million payment to Global Steel Holdings Ltd, tied to the Ajaokuta Steel concession.
- Alleged irregularities in the sale of forfeited assets managed by the EFCC.
- His role in the $419 million Paris Club refund judgment payment.
- The contentious decision to approve $200 million to Sunrise Power in the Mambilla power dispute.
- Accusations of duplicated legal fees in the transfer of $321 million Abacha loot from Switzerland.
For many observers, the EFCC’s renewed vigour signals one of the most serious anti-corruption actions yet involving a top member of the Buhari cabinet—an administration that frequently touted a zero-tolerance posture toward corruption.
Silence From the Commission
When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale declined to comment, maintaining the agency’s typical silence around ongoing sensitive investigations. But insiders suggest the probe is far from over, and that new leads continue to emerge with each round of questioning.
What Comes Next?
For Malami, who once sat at the apex of Nigeria’s legal and anti-corruption apparatus, the days ahead may prove defining. What began as a routine invitation now appears to be spiralling into one of the most consequential corruption cases in recent years—one that could reshape political alliances and revive long-standing questions about accountability within the former administration.
For now, as investigators tighten the circle, Nigeria waits to see whether this high-profile probe ends in prosecution, exoneration, or something in between.
