The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has taken the significant step of seizing the international passport of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, as part of its ongoing investigation into the alleged mismanagement of $490 million in recovered Abacha loot.
Travel Restrictions and Daily Reporting
Authorities confiscated Malami's travel document on Friday, November 28, 2025, with the seizure forming one of the key conditions for his release on Saturday. The former minister has been placed under a one-month travel restriction and must report daily to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for further interrogations.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Malami cannot leave the country without explicit permission from the EFCC or a valid order from a High Court. The anti-graft commission cited the extensive documentation involved and the need for comprehensive interviews as justification for the travel restrictions.
The $490 Million Abacha Loot Investigation
The probe centers around $490 million in Abacha loot that was repatriated to Nigeria through a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. EFCC sources clarified that while they haven't accused Malami of stealing the funds, the former Attorney General has substantial questions to answer regarding the management of these recovered assets.
"We have asked him to account for the $490 million Abacha loot secured through MLAT. We didn't say he stole the money, but he has questions to answer," an EFCC source emphasized.
Malami's Response and Public Statements
Malami has consistently denied any wrongdoing, describing the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. In a post on his X account early Saturday, the former minister stated he had been released and scheduled for further meetings with the commission, characterizing the initial engagement as successful.
"In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for His divine intervention. The engagement was successful and I am eventually released, while on an appointment for further engagement, as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold," Malami wrote.
Prior to honoring the EFCC invitation, Malami had expressed his commitment to transparency and accountability, stating his willingness to cooperate with the investigation as a law-abiding citizen and patriot.
The EFCC has maintained that it will avoid media confrontations and will make its findings public only after concluding the investigation.
