Former attorney-general of the federation Abubakar Malami spent Monday night at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as questioning over an ongoing corruption probe intensified, according to reporting by The Cable.
The Cable reported that a person close to the former minister said that Malami was invited for questioning earlier on Monday but arrived late in the evening, prompting investigators to keep him overnight so he could continue responding to inquiries. The source also said 46 bank accounts allegedly linked to Malami are under investigation and form a major line of inquiry for the EFCC.
Malami is expected to report to the EFCC daily as the investigation continues, according to the outlet.
The former AGF said after an earlier interrogation on 29 November that the engagement “was successful” and that he had been scheduled for further sessions.
Five suspicious mega deals
In 2023, TheCable reported that Malami would be questioned over at least five contentious transactions handled during his tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Among them is the controversial payment of $496 million to Global Steel Holdings Ltd (GSHL) as settlement for the termination of the Ajaokuta Steel concession, nine years after the company had waived all claims.
Also under scrutiny is Malami’s role in the disposal of assets worth billions of naira forfeited to the EFCC by politically exposed persons, as well as his involvement in a $419 million judgment debt awarded to consultants who claimed to have facilitated the Paris Club refunds to states.
Other matters include the agreement to pay Sunrise Power $200 million in its dispute with the federal government over the Mambilla power project, and duplicated legal fees linked to the transfer of $321 million in Abacha loot from Switzerland to Nigeria.
Malami, who on 17 November announced his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State, resigned from the APC in July and joined the African Democratic Congress. He said the decision followed “wide consultations and deep personal reflection” and was driven by concern over the hardship Nigerians are facing.
