Terrorism: EFCC detains ex-AGF Malami
Anti-corruption agency probes over $400 illicit funds
By Samuel Ogunsona
Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami is under the searchlight over over alleged terrorism financing.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained the former Ministe over his alleged link with terrorist groups and allegations he diverted state funds to fund terror groups
Malami is expected to clarify issues related to money laundering and suspicious accounts, including his investment of about N10 billion in Kebbi State and the whereabouts of $322 million Abacha loot recovered from Swiss accounts and $22 million from Island of Jersey in the UK.
According to a top EFCC source, “We have detained the ex-Minister for terrorism financing and the whereabouts of Abacha loot recovered from Switzerland and Island of Jersey in the UK. His sudden wealth of N10 billion investments in Kebbi State are under investigation. We may attach some of these assets.”
Malami, however, has rejected the allegations, stating that his public record in office stands in direct contradiction to any insinuation of complicity in terrorism financing.
In a statement, Malami said, “I have never at any time been accused, invited, interrogated, investigated or charged by any security, law-enforcement, regulatory or intelligence agency—within or outside Nigeria—in respect of terrorism financing or any related offence.”
Malami also highlighted his key roles in Nigeria’s AML/CFT reforms and FATF Grey-List exit, dismissing the terrorism financing insinuations.
He emphasized that “terrorism financing is a grave crime with devastating consequences for national security and human life. Any attempt—whether by direct allegation or indirect innuendo—to associate an individual with such an offence must be grounded in verifiable facts, due process and lawful findings, not in conjecture, speculation, or guilt by association.”
The EFCC said Malami has not met his bail conditions and may remain in custody until he does.
A source told Irohinodua that the commission is likely to interrogate one of Malami’s wives over her role in N4 billion Anchor Borrowers cash advanced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Malami’s detention has raised a war of words, with the ex-AGF maintaining his innocence and the EFCC probing his alleged involvement in terrorism financing.
