EFCC invites ex-Attorney-General Malami over high-profile corruption investigations
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, for questioning over several corruption allegations linked to his tenure. The invitation, dated November 24, directed Malami to appear before investigators on Friday, November 28, at the EFCC Headquarters Institution and Research District in Jabi, Abuja.
According to reports, the invitation is connected to ongoing probes into five major transactions handled during Malami’s time in office. One of the cases under investigation is the controversial payment of $496 million to Global Steel Holdings Ltd (GSHL) as settlement for the termination of the Ajaokuta Steel concession, despite the company allegedly waiving its compensation claims nine years earlier.
The EFCC is also examining Malami’s involvement in the disposal of assets worth billions of naira forfeited by politically exposed persons. Concerns have been raised over transparency and adherence to due process in the management of the asset disposal programme undertaken by the Ministry of Justice.
Another transaction attracting scrutiny is the $419 million judgment debt awarded to consultants who claimed to have facilitated the Paris Club refunds to states. The approval and defence of the controversial claim have continued to draw public criticism.
Investigators are further probing an agreement reportedly reached under Malami to pay Sunrise Power $200 million in compensation in its dispute with the Federal Government over the stalled Mambilla power project.
The fifth allegation relates to alleged duplicated legal fees in the repatriation of $321 million in Abacha loot from Switzerland to Nigeria, with claims that legal services were billed more than once during the process.
Malami is expected to provide clarification on each of the transactions as the EFCC works to determine whether there were breaches of due process, financial misconduct, or abuse of office.
