Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has dismissed reports linking him to terrorism financing, money laundering, and multiple bank accounts, insisting that his only engagement with the EFCC concerned clarifications on an alleged duplication in the recovery of the $310 million Abacha loot.
In a statement from his media office, Malami described the allegations circulating online as false and politically motivated, noting that no security or intelligence agency, local or international, has ever questioned him over terrorism financing.
He explained that the EFCC had examined assumptions of abuse of office and money laundering but found no grounds to proceed after he detailed that the recovery process had not been concluded before 2016.
He also highlighted how the Buhari administration rejected exorbitant fees proposed by Swiss lawyer Enrico Monfrini, opting for Nigerian legal teams that saved the country billions while facilitating multiple tranches of repatriated funds used for social investment programmes and major infrastructure projects.
Malami further criticised attempts to misrepresent separate recoveries as duplicated, calling such narratives deliberate misinformation.
He addressed claims attributed to a retired military officer, stating that the individual had publicly clarified he never accused him of funding terrorism.
Reaffirming his role in strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption and anti-terrorism financing framework, particularly through the establishment of the NFIU and the 2022 AML/CFT laws, Malami urged Nigerians to ignore what he described as a coordinated smear campaign.
Full Statement
Office of the Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN
Malami Did Not Fail to Meet Bail Conditions or Face Terrorism Financing Charges; EFCC Revoked His Bail Over Attendance at a Political Gathering in Kebbi
The Office of the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has noted with concern misleading reports suggesting that Mr. Malami failed to meet bail conditions imposed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
For the avoidance of doubt, Abubakar Malami, SAN did not default on any bail condition. His bail was revoked by the EFCC following his attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi State, not because he failed or refused to comply with any lawful requirement.
Setting the Record Straight
Mr. Malami was initially granted bail in relation to allegations of money laundering and abuse of office—allegations he has firmly denied and for which he has provided detailed explanations. Among the subsequent bail conditions imposed by the EFCC were restrictions barring him from granting media interviews and from participating in political activities in Kebbi State.
It must be clearly stated that the condition restricting him from participating in political activities in Kebbi—his home state—constituted a violation of his fundamental human rights, including his constitutional right to peaceful association, freedom of movement, and political participation. Imposing such a condition is inconsistent with democratic principles and raises serious concerns about its intent.
Between Friday and Sunday, Mr. Malami visited his home state, Kebbi, where he is a prominent political figure and ADC leader. In line with long-standing political tradition, party members received him, and he addressed them. This engagement was peaceful, open, and entirely political.
On Monday, after returning to Abuja at the invitation of the EFCC, his bail was revoked.
A Fundamental Question
This development raises an important and troubling question: what is the correlation between allegations of money laundering and abuse of office and the attendance of a political event in Kebbi State?
There is none.
Political activity bears no logical or legal connection to allegations of financial or administrative misconduct. More concerning is the selective nature of the restriction. Mr. Malami was not barred from political engagements nationwide—only those in Kebbi State, his base of political influence. This selective limitation underscores the political colouration surrounding the action taken against him and further highlights its inconsistency with constitutional guarantees.
Participation in a political gathering is a constitutionally protected right and cannot be construed as interference with any investigation.
No Bail Default
It is important to emphasize that after the revocation, new bail conditions were presented, and Mr. Malami immediately indicated his readiness to comply fully. However, he was not allowed the opportunity to perfect the bail. Therefore, any suggestion that he failed to meet bail conditions is false, misleading, and mischievous.
Conclusion
The EFCC is constitutionally empowered to investigate and, where necessary, prosecute matters before a court of law. It is not empowered to suppress political participation, restrict constitutional rights, or conduct trials through the media.
The revocation of Mr. Malami’s bail on account of lawful political activity—particularly activity within his home state—strongly suggests a political motive rather than a legal necessity.
Abubakar Malami, SAN remains committed to the rule of law and confident that truth and justice will prevail. The public is urged to disregard sensational claims and consider this episode in its true context.
Mohammed Bello Doka
Special Assistant on Media
Office of the Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
Abubakar Malami, SAN