$490m Abacha Loot Investigation: Malami to face EFCC panel daily throughout Dec.
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, has been directed to report daily to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the entirety of December as part of the ongoing probe into the alleged $490 million Abacha loot.
A source within the EFCC disclosed on Monday that Mr. Malami’s daily appearances are necessary due to the complexity and volume of the investigation.
The probe focuses on funds repatriated through a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT) request, with authorities seeking clarity on the disposition of the money.
Malami, who was initially summoned for questioning on Saturday, has been restricted from travelling abroad during the investigation, and his passport has been temporarily seized.
“The daily reporting requirement is standard in cases of this magnitude.
”The issues are extensive, and investigators need his presence to go through documents and conduct in-depth interviews,” the source explained.
According to the official, Malami will attend sessions with EFCC investigators each day from December 1 to 31.
The EFCC has indicated that Malami must provide detailed explanations regarding several items highlighted in the fact-sheet submitted to the commission, particularly concerning the whereabouts and management of the Abacha loot.
The source clarified, “We are not saying he misappropriated the funds, but he must account for them. This is a key aspect of the investigation.”
While the EFCC continues its work behind the scenes, Malami, through his media representative, Mohammed Doka, described the investigation as politically motivated.
He confirmed that he complied with the EFCC’s invitation on November 28 and described the engagement as productive.
Malami expressed confidence that the process would clear his name, dismissing allegations as “baseless and illogical,” and insisted they would not withstand factual scrutiny.
The EFCC has emphasized that no public statements will be made until the investigation concludes, signaling a measured approach to one of the highest-profile financial probes in recent years.
Sources within the commission noted that the extensive documentation and sensitive nature of the case necessitate meticulous review to ensure accountability and transparency.
The probe forms part of Nigeria’s broader effort to recover assets linked to the late General Sani Abacha’s regime, a process that has drawn national and international attention for its scale and significance.
