Abuja, December 10, 2025 – Nigeria’s political landscape has been rocked by the detention of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), who is currently in EFCC custody facing multiple serious allegations including terrorism financing, money laundering, and the disappearance of hundreds of millions of dollars in recovered Abacha loot.
As of 10 p.m. Tuesday night, Malami remained detained after failing to meet stringent bail conditions set by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Sources within the anti-graft agency say he is being questioned on at least 18 separate issues, with investigators describing the case as “high-priority” and “national security-sensitive”.
The probe centres on the handling of approximately $344 million in Abacha loot repatriated during Malami’s tenure: $322 million (plus interest) from Switzerland and $22 million from the Island of Jersey. Investigators are also examining suspicious bank accounts, a sudden N10 billion investment spree in Kebbi State, and alleged abuse of office in the sale of forfeited assets.
EFCC insiders told reporters that the agency is preparing to question one of Malami’s wives over her alleged involvement in N4 billion diverted from the Central Bank’s Anchor Borrowers Programme. “He has a lot to clarify,” one source said. “The allegations are many and will take days, if not weeks, to work through.”
Malami was first invited for questioning on November 28 and granted provisional bail. He was re-detained on Monday evening after arriving late for a follow-up session and has spent two consecutive nights in custody while his legal team struggles to produce the required sureties — two serving permanent secretaries.
In a strongly worded statement posted on X on Tuesday, the former minister categorically rejected every allegation. He insisted he has never been accused, invited, interrogated, or investigated — locally or internationally — for terrorism financing. He described reports linking him to terror suspects as politically motivated fabrications designed to tarnish his reputation ahead of a possible 2027 governorship run in Kebbi State.
Malami pointed out that the retired military officer cited in the original reports had explicitly stated he never accused the former AGF of financing terrorism, only mentioning routine “business” or “institutional” interactions involving third parties. He warned that associating lawful professional dealings with terrorism without evidence is dangerous, misleading, and unjust.
The former minister also highlighted his central role in strengthening Nigeria’s anti-money laundering framework, including the establishment of an independent Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the passage of the 2022 Money Laundering and Terrorism Prevention Acts — reforms that helped Nigeria exit the FATF Grey List in 2023. He argued that his public service record directly contradicts any attempt to link him with terrorism or terror financing.
The EFCC has not issued an official statement on the details of the investigation, but sources say the agency continues to uncover new transactions daily and has seized Malami’s passport to prevent international travel without court approval.
Civil society groups have welcomed the development as long-overdue accountability for the handling of recovered loot, while Malami’s supporters have condemned it as a politically orchestrated witch-hunt.
As the investigation deepens, one of Nigeria’s most powerful former officials finds himself at the centre of the very anti-corruption machinery he once oversaw — a dramatic turn that has gripped the nation and raised fresh questions about transparency in the management of billions of dollars in repatriated funds.
