The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, will report to its Abuja headquarters every day throughout the month of December as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged mismanagement of $490 million Abacha loot.

A source within the commission disclosed to Vanguard that Malami’s daily appearance is a strict bail condition, following his invitation and subsequent questioning on Saturday, November 28. As part of the process, the EFCC also confiscated his international passport, preventing him from leaving the country for now.

According to the EFCC insider, the rigorous schedule is necessary due to the scale and complexity of the probe.

“We seized his passport—it is standard procedure during investigations. But he has to report at the EFCC headquarters every day for the next month,” the source said.
“He will be reporting from December 1st to December 31st. This is because of the volume of documents, the seriousness of the allegations, and the extensive interviews required.”

The Core of the Investigation

The commission wants the former minister to clarify issues surrounding the whereabouts of the $490 million repatriated under a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT) arrangement. While the EFCC did not accuse him of theft, investigators insist he must account for the funds.

“We didn’t say he stole money, but he should explain the whereabouts of the loot. That is one of the issues he needs to clarify,” the source noted.

The EFCC emphasized that it will not trade words publicly over the matter and will release its findings only after a thorough, evidence-based investigation.

Malami Responds, Calls Probe a ‘Witch-Hunt’

In a statement released by his media aide, Mohammed Doka, Malami confirmed he had honored the EFCC invitation and described the interaction as “fruitful.” However, he labelled the ongoing process a political attack aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

He dismissed the allegations as “baseless, illogical, and lacking merit,” expressing confidence that the investigation would ultimately clear him of wrongdoing.

As the interrogation continues throughout December, Nigerians await official updates on one of the most high-profile corruption-related probes involving a former top government official.