Here’s a bombshell that’s shaking the political landscape: Abubakar Malami, Nigeria’s former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, has spent a second night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), facing a probe into allegations that sound like the plot of a high-stakes thriller—terrorism financing, money laundering, and abuse of office. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Malami a victim of political witch-hunting, or is this the long-overdue reckoning for alleged financial misconduct? Let’s dive in.
As of December 10, 2025, Malami is under investigation for a staggering 18 alleged offenses. The EFCC, known for its no-nonsense approach to corruption, has reportedly secured a remand order to keep him in detention. And this is the part most people miss: The probe isn’t just about Malami’s recent activities. It extends to his tenure in office, including his handling of recovered funds—like the $346.2 million Abacha loot from Switzerland and assets from the Island of Jersey—which he allegedly cannot fully account for. Additionally, the disbursement of N4 billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme is under scrutiny, as is his alleged N10 billion investment in schools, hotels, and rice mills in Kebbi State.
Here’s a twist: Malami’s detention came after he failed to meet his bail conditions by 11 p.m. on Tuesday. An associate revealed that he was initially invited for questioning on Monday but arrived late, leading to an overnight stay. But wait, there’s more: A whopping 46 bank accounts allegedly linked to Malami are now part of the EFCC’s investigation. When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale remained tight-lipped, adding another layer of intrigue.
Malami’s political ambitions further complicate the narrative. In November 2025, he declared his intention to run for governor of Kebbi State in 2027, after switching parties from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Could this probe derail his political comeback? Or is it a calculated move by opponents to tarnish his reputation?
Five Mega Deals That Raised Eyebrows
In 2023, TheCable reported that Malami would face questions over at least five suspicious transactions during his time in office. These deals, under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, are nothing short of jaw-dropping. For instance, the $496 million payment to Global Steel Holdings Ltd (GSHL) for the terminated Ajaokuta Steel concession—nine years after the company waived compensation claims—has left many scratching their heads. Then there’s the sale of assets worth billions of naira, forfeited to the EFCC by politically exposed persons, which Malami oversaw. Here’s the kicker: His role in the $419 million judgment debt awarded to consultants for the Paris Club refunds, the $200 million compensation to Sunrise Power over the Mambilla power project, and the duplicated legal fees in the transfer of $321 million Abacha loot are all under the microscope.
These allegations aren’t just about numbers; they’re about trust, accountability, and the integrity of public office. But here’s the question that’s dividing opinions: Are these legitimate investigations into corruption, or is Malami being targeted for political reasons? What do you think? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments—agree or disagree, your voice matters.
