Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has dismissed allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that he operated 46 unlawful bank accounts, describing the claims as unfounded and misleading.
In a response issued through his media aide, Bello Doka, Malami was said to have no connection whatsoever with the alleged accounts and no involvement in the loot linked to former military ruler, late Gen. Sani Abacha, or any other financial impropriety.
Doka stated that Malami maintains only six bank accounts, all of which are known to the anti-graft agency and to individuals within his close circle. He insisted that the narrative of dozens of illegal accounts attributed to the former minister lacks any factual basis.
“The EFCC knows his six bank accounts that are to his name; the allegations of operating six unlawful forty-six bank accounts are ridiculous and baseless, and for the record, the former minister has no hand in Abacha loot or any other recovery,” Doka said.
He further noted that when Malami was invited by the commission for questioning, he was not formally informed of any allegation relating to the operation of 46 bank accounts. According to him, the absence of official communication on such a serious claim further weakens the EFCC’s position.
Doka challenged the commission to publicly release details of at least half of the alleged accounts to substantiate its claims, arguing that transparency demands concrete evidence rather than media reports.
He maintained that public statements or press briefings alone are insufficient to establish guilt, stressing that due process and verifiable proof must guide such allegations. He added that Malami remains open to cooperating with investigators as required by law.
The media aide concluded by urging the EFCC to either clearly withdraw or formally disclaim the allegation, while appreciating supporters of the former minister for their continued goodwill and confidence.
What you should know
Abubakar Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023. Allegations involving financial misconduct and recovered assets from the Abacha era have remained politically sensitive in Nigeria, often drawing public attention.
The EFCC is Nigeria’s primary anti-corruption agency, empowered to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. Disputes between public figures and the commission are not uncommon, especially when allegations are made without court filings.
Malami’s response reflects a broader insistence by former officials on due process, transparency, and evidence-based investigations in corruption-related matters.
