The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confiscated the international passport of Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, as part of an investigation into the handling of $490 million in recovered Abacha funds obtained through Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT).
Malami on Friday, was invited for questioning over the matter.
Though, he was later released on bail around 1am on Saturday and is required to report to the headquarters of the anti-graft agency in Abuja daily for the next month, restricting him from traveling outside the country without permission from the commission or a High Court.
Despite the development, Malami insists the allegations being examined by investigators are baseless.
“The engagement was successful, and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold,” he said on his X handle.
He also added: “I give glory to Allah for His divine intervention.”
Meanwhile, according to an internal briefing on the investigation, the commission’s operatives expect Malami to clarify several issues related to the recovered funds.
“We have asked him to explain the whereabouts of $490 million Abacha loot secured through Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT). We didn’t say he stole money, but he should account for the loot. This is one of the issues he will clarify to our investigators,” an EFCC source said.
The EFCC explained that the volume of documents and number of interrogators involved made it necessary to restrict his travel.
“Considering the huge volumes of documents he has to go through and the detectives he needs to interact with, we have seized his international passport,” the source added.
Another official confirmed the reporting requirement: “One of the conditions for his release on bail at 1am on Saturday was that he should report daily to the EFCC headquarters for interaction.”
EFCC officials said they intend to make their findings public after completing what they describe as a painstaking process.
“We won’t join issues with him on his braggadocio but we will release our findings to the public after painstaking investigation,” the source said.
However, Malami, who acknowledged the ongoing probe, did not address the confiscation of his passport in his online statement