Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, spent Monday night at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as interrogations over an ongoing investigation intensified, TheCable has learnt.
An associate of the former minister told TheCable that
Malami was invited for questioning on Monday but arrived late in the evening,
which resulted in him staying overnight to continue responding to
investigators’ queries.
The associate also disclosed that 46 bank accounts allegedly
linked to Malami are currently under investigation, forming a major part of the
EFCC’s line of inquiry.
The former AGF would be reporting to the EFCC daily as the
probe continues.
Following his earlier interrogation on November 29, the
former AGF had said in a post on X that the session “was successful” and that
he had been scheduled for “further engagement” with investigators.
“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 continue to unfold,” he said.
FIVE SUSPICIOUS MEGA DEALS
In 2023, TheCable reported that Malami would be questioned
over at least five suspicious transactions during his time in office.
Malami’s name featured in a number of questionable deals
under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
The transactions bordered on the mysterious payment of $496
million to Global Steel Holdings Ltd (GSHL) as settlement for the termination
of the Ajaokuta Steel concession nine years after the Indian company had waived
all claims for compensation.
Another contentious matter is Malami’s handling of the sale
of assets worth billions of naira forfeited to the EFCC by politically exposed
persons.
The former minister’s role in the $419 million judgment debt
awarded to consultants who claimed to have facilitated the Paris Club refunds
to states is also up for scrutiny.
Others are the curious agreement to pay Sunrise Power $200
million compensation in its dispute with the federal government over the
Mambilla power project, and the duplicated legal fees in the transfer of $321
million Abacha loot from Switzerland to Nigeria.
Meanwhile, on November 17, Malami declared his intention to
contest the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi state.
The former AGF resigned from the APC in July and joined the
African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He said the decision followed “wide consultations and deep
personal reflection”, adding that he left the ruling party out of “love for our
nation and concern for the hardship our people are facing”.
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