The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday interrogated former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), over multiple corruption allegations linked to his time in office.

Malami, who served as AGF from 2015 to 2023, has been under EFCC investigation over issues relating to suspicious bank accounts, asset transactions, and several controversial judgement debt payments.

A source familiar with the development said the former minister was invited to clarify a series of allegations but has not been formally accused of wrongdoing.

“We have many allegations lined up against him. We have not accused him of anything at all. Our investigation is on. He interacted with our operatives on Friday. We were courteous to him. We respected the confidentiality of his appearance. But he has chosen to go public. We will have no choice but to explain to Nigerians what he came to do and our findings,” the source stated.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, told the newspaper he had no available details because he was out of Abuja at the time of Malami’s questioning.

Malami confirmed the invitation on his X handle but did not disclose the reason or the date of his appearance. In what appeared to be a pre-emptive move to shape public perception, he posted:

“This is to confirm that I have been invited by the EFCC. As a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I hereby reaffirm my commitment to honour the invitation. I understand the spirit of accountability and transparency in public service the principles that I both advocate and champion.

“Rooted in public service and in the spirit of transparency and accountability, I am committed to sharing with the Nigerian public the developments as they unfold.”

Questions have continued to trail Malami’s involvement in several controversial financial decisions, including:

• the payment of $496 million to Global Steel Holdings Ltd (GSHL) over the terminated Ajaokuta Steel concession, despite the company having previously waived all claims;
• the disposal of high-value assets forfeited by politically exposed persons;
• the $419 million judgement debt awarded to Paris Club refund consultants;
• the approval of $200 million compensation to Sunrise Power over the Mambilla power project dispute;
• and legal fee controversies surrounding the transfer of $321 million Abacha loot from Switzerland.

Further updates from the EFCC are expected in the coming days.