EFCC Seizes Ex-AGF Malami’s Passport Amid Probe Into Missing $490m Abacha Loot

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confiscated the international passport of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged $490 million Abacha loot traced through a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT) process.

A reliable EFCC source confirmed on Sunday that Malami has been restricted from travelling outside Nigeria for the next month.

According to the source, one of the conditions for Malami’s release on Saturday was that he must report to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja every day for continued questioning.
“The former minister may not travel out of the country except with mutual agreement with the EFCC or a High Court order,” the source added.

Malami, however, dismissed the allegations as fabricated, insisting that the truth would become clear in due time.

The EFCC source further disclosed that investigators have compiled a detailed fact sheet outlining several issues Malami is expected to address in the coming weeks.
“We have asked him to explain the whereabouts of the $490 million Abacha loot secured through 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.”

The commission also cited the large volume of documents to be reviewed and the need for extensive interviews as reasons for retaining his passport.

The source stressed that the EFCC would not engage in public arguments but would release its findings after a comprehensive investigation.

In a post on X, Malami described the allegations as “fabricated,” expressed gratitude to Allah for “divine intervention,” and confirmed that his meeting with the EFCC was successful before he was released pending further sessions.
He did not comment on the passport seizure but reiterated that the truth about the allegations “would soon unfold.”

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