Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have taken over Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena, properties belonging to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, in Kebbi State.
The development comes amid an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.
Recall that the anti-graft agency had, on November 28, invited Malami for questioning in connection with the allegations. Shortly afterwards, the former AGF raised the alarm over what he described as “threatening actions” by the EFCC, following coordinated raids on his offices and private residences in Abuja and Kebbi State.
Reacting to Malami’s claims, a former spokesperson for the South-East to President Bola Tinubu, Josef Onoh, accused him of hypocrisy and disregard for the rule of law during his tenure as the nation’s chief law officer. In a statement, Onoh urged Malami to desist from what he described as attempts to blackmail and intimidate the Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, and instead submit himself fully to the ongoing investigation.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the EFCC nor the police authorities had issued an official statement on the takeover of the properties.
Background and Context
Abubakar Malami, SAN, served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023, making him one of the longest-serving occupants of the office under former President Muhammadu Buhari. During his tenure, Malami played a central role in Nigeria’s legal, judicial, and anti-corruption framework, overseeing high-profile prosecutions, asset recovery processes, and key policy decisions affecting the rule of law.
However, his time in office was also marked by persistent controversy, with civil society organisations and legal analysts frequently raising concerns over alleged selective prosecution, controversial legal opinions, and the management of recovered assets. Several of these concerns have resurfaced in post-tenure investigations.
The current EFCC probe is understood to be part of a broader effort by the Bola Tinubu administration to revisit unresolved corruption allegations involving former public office holders, particularly those who occupied sensitive positions with access to state power and resources. Investigators are reportedly examining alleged money laundering, abuse of office, and the acquisition of high-value assets during Malami’s years in government.
The police takeover of Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena suggests the properties may be considered assets of interest in the investigation, possibly to prevent their disposal or alteration pending the outcome of EFCC inquiries. While such actions are often taken in collaboration with anti-graft agencies, any permanent forfeiture would still require a court order.
Malami’s public pushback against the EFCC, including allegations of harassment and intimidation, has heightened political and legal tensions around the case. Critics argue that his stance contrasts sharply with his former role as the nation’s chief law officer, while supporters insist he is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence, warning against media trial or politically motivated persecution.
The unfolding developments are being closely watched, as the case could set an important precedent for post-tenure accountability of senior public officials and serve as a test of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions beyond rhetoric.
