The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized the international passport of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, as part of an ongoing probe into the handling of $490 million recovered Abacha fund obtained through Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT).
Malami, released on bail around 1 a.m. on Saturday, is required to report to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja every day for the next month, effectively restricting him from travelling outside the country unless permitted by the commission or a High Court.
Despite the development, Malami insists the allegations being examined by investigators are baseless. “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,” he said on his X handle. He also added: “I give glory to Allah for His divine intervention.”
According to an internal briefing on the investigation, EFCC operatives expect Malami to clarify several issues related to the recovered funds.
“We have asked him to explain the whereabouts of $490 million Abacha loot secured through Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT). We didn’t say he stole money, but he should account for the loot. This is one of the issues he will clarify to our investigators,” an EFCC source said.
The commission explained that the volume of documents and number of interrogators involved made it necessary to restrict his travel. “Considering the huge volumes of documents he has to go through and the detectives he needs to interact with, we have seized his international passport,” the source added.
Another official confirmed the reporting requirement: “One of the conditions for his release on bail at 1am on Saturday was that he should report daily to the EFCC headquarters for interaction.”
EFCC officials say they intend to make their findings public after completing what they describe as a painstaking process. “We won’t join issues with him on his braggadocio but we will release our findings to the public after painstaking investigation,” the source said.
Although Malami acknowledged the ongoing inquiry, he did not address the confiscation of his passport in his online statement.
(NATION)