Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has broken his silence after being summoned and questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over multiple high-profile financial transactions during his tenure.
Malami's First Statement After EFCC Interrogation
In a statement released on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on November 29, 2025, Malami expressed gratitude to Allah for what he described as a successful engagement with the anti-graft agency. The former minister confirmed he had been released after honoring the EFCC invitation and is scheduled for further discussions with investigators.
"In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention," Malami stated. "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 continue to unfold."
Five Controversial Transactions Under Scrutiny
Reports indicate that the EFCC is investigating Malami's involvement in at least five major financial deals that have raised eyebrows among transparency advocates. According to detailed reports from TheCable, these transactions include:
- $496 million settlement paid to Global Steel Holdings Ltd for the Ajaokuta Steel concession agreement
- Questionable sale of assets forfeited to the EFCC by politically exposed persons
- The controversial $419 million judgment debt connected to Paris Club refunds
- $200 million compensation awarded to Sunrise Power regarding the Mambilla power project
- Alleged duplicated legal fees in the transfer of $321 million Abacha loot from Switzerland to Nigeria
The total value of these transactions under investigation exceeds $1.4 billion, representing significant public funds that require accountability.
Malami's Commitment to Transparency and Cooperation
Before his appearance at the EFCC headquarters, Malami had publicly affirmed his commitment to cooperate fully with the anti-corruption agency. In his initial response to the summons, he emphasized his dedication to the principles of accountability and transparency that he claimed to champion during his time in office.
"I hereby reaffirm my commitment to honour the invitation. I understand the spirit of accountability and transparency in public service, the principles that I both advocate and champion," Malami had stated earlier.
The former Attorney-General maintained that the allegations against him are fabricated and expressed confidence that the truth would eventually emerge through the ongoing investigative process. He promised to keep the Nigerian public informed as developments unfold in what could become one of the most significant corruption probes of the post-Buhari era.
EFCC's Broader Anti-Corruption Drive
The investigation into Malami's activities forms part of the EFCC's wider campaign against corruption in Nigeria's public sector. In a related development, the commission has declared former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, wanted over allegations of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14.8 million.
According to the EFCC, the funds in question were part of money injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for refinery construction projects.
The EFCC has yet to release an official statement detailing the outcomes of Malami's initial questioning or provide timelines for his subsequent appointments with investigators. The commission's silence has heightened public anticipation for clarity on the direction and scope of this high-profile investigation.
