EFCC Detains Malami Over Alleged Terrorism Financing

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN) over allegations including terrorism financing, money laundering, and improper management of recovered assets.

The agency said that the former minister was unable to satisfy the bail conditions earlier granted to him, prompting the decision to keep him in custody while investigations continue.

According to the EFCC, the probe covers multiple issues: suspicious bank accounts linked to Malami, investments totalling around ₦10 billion in Kebbi State, and queries over the purported whereabouts of funds recovered from the Sani Abacha-era loot, including funds repatriated from Switzerland and the Island of Jersey.

Malami, however, denied all accusations. In a public statement, he asserted: “I have never at any time been accused, invited, interrogated, investigated or charged by any security, law-enforcement, regulatory or intelligence agency within or outside Nigeria, in respect of terrorism financing or any related offence.”

He described the allegations as “fabricated” and said his record in office contradicts any suggestion of wrongdoing.

Despite ongoing detention, the former AGF has not faced formal charges in court, but the EFCC source insists that the investigation covers up to 18 different offences. The source further said that the agency may attach assets linked to him, depending on the findings.