By SUNTV Global Channel | Investigative ReportThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, of alleged involvement in a $16.9 million legal fees fraud linked to the recovery of Nigeria’s Abacha loot, alongside accusations of money laundering, abuse of office, and possession of unexplained multi-billion naira assets.Court filings and petitions obtained by SUNTV Global Channel reveal that the allegations form the basis of an EFCC application before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, seeking an order to remand Malami and one of his associates, Temitope Isaac Adebayo, in EFCC custody for 14 days pending further investigation.
Multiple Petitions Trigger EFCC Probe
According to the EFCC, it received several petitions from civil society organisations, including the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Karlos Community Development and Empowerment Initiative, and Grassroot Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance (GAPAG). These petitions accuse Malami of authorising questionable payments and leveraging his former office to benefit associates.An EFCC investigator, in an affidavit supporting a motion ex parte, disclosed that preliminary investigations point to allegations that Malami, while serving as Nigeria’s chief law officer, approved and facilitated the payment of $16.9 million in legal fees to two individuals described as “new lawyers” for services related to the recovery of funds traced to late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
Alleged Duplicate Legal Fees
The petitions allege that the services for which the $16.9 million was paid had already been completed by foreign legal counsel previously engaged and fully compensated by the Federal Government. Petitioners contend that the fresh payments were unnecessary, irregular, and fraudulent, raising red flags over due process and public finance management.The EFCC further alleged that Malami used his position to confer undue advantage on an associate involved in transactions now under scrutiny. Investigators say the evidence gathered so far suggests a prima facie case of criminal conspiracy, corruption, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering, though the allegations are yet to be tested in court.
Questions Over “Unexplained Wealth”
Beyond the alleged $16.9 million payment, the petitions also spotlight what they describe as Malami’s unexplained wealth, citing ownership of high-value assets allegedly disproportionate to his known earnings before and during his tenure in public office.Among the assets listed are Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena, a sprawling hospitality and entertainment complex in Birnin Kebbi said to be worth several billions of naira. Others include Rayhan Rice Mill, Rayhan Private Academy (Nursery, Primary and Secondary), and Rayhan University, all located in Kebbi State.Petitioners also claim Malami owns multiple residential and commercial properties in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi, some allegedly valued in hundreds of millions of naira. They insist that prior to his appointment as Attorney-General in 2015, Malami could not have legitimately acquired such assets, given his income profile as a public servant and legal practitioner.The groups urged the EFCC to trace the source of funds, freeze any suspicious assets and bank accounts, and ensure full accountability in line with anti-corruption laws.
Additional Allegations
The petitions further allege that Malami was involved in the unauthorised auction of seized crude oil vessels under questionable legal circumstances, the distribution of luxury vehicles allegedly worth over ₦1 billion, and attempts to interfere in high-profile corruption cases by recommending the discontinuation of prosecutions involving politically exposed persons.
Bail, Alleged Flight Risk
In its court application, the EFCC stated that Malami honoured an invitation and reported to the Commission on November 28, 2025, after which he was granted provisional administrative bail under strict conditions. However, the Commission alleged that he failed to meet the bail terms and subsequently jumped bail.The anti-graft agency further told the court that intelligence reports indicate Malami may be planning to flee the country and has allegedly begun intimidating potential witnesses, actions it says could jeopardise the investigation and any eventual prosecution.
EFCC Seeks Remand Order
On this basis, the EFCC is asking the court to remand Malami and his associate in its custody to preserve the integrity of the investigation, prevent witness interference, and ensure their availability for further questioning.The Commission maintains that the petitions were submitted in the public interest, stressing that a thorough probe is necessary to protect the integrity of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and reinforce public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.SUNTV Global Channel notes that all allegations remain subject to judicial determination, and Malami is entitled to the presumption of innocence under the law.
