EFCC Re-arrests Former Attorney General Abubakar Malami Over Abacha Loot Recovery Probe

ABUJA, Nigeria — In a significant escalation of its probe, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arrested former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), just days after his initial release on bail. The arrest, confirmed by multiple sources late Monday night, is linked to a high-profile investigation into the recovery of $322.5 million in looted funds tied to former military ruler, General Sani Abacha.

Malami, a senior advocate and prominent political figure who has declared his intention to run for governor of Kebbi State in 2027, now faces stringent bail conditions. Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the EFCC is requiring two serving permanent secretaries to stand as sureties for his release, a condition he was reportedly struggling to meet on Monday night.

A Case Rooted in the Abacha Loot Recovery

The core of the EFCC's investigation centers on allegations of duplication of fees and potential misconduct in the process of recovering and repatriating the Abacha loot. The anti-graft agency alleges that Malami "duplicated" a recovery process that had already been completed by a Swiss lawyer, Enrico Monfrini, before Malami assumed office in 2015.

Malami has publicly and fiercely denied these allegations. In a statement, his media aide described the EFCC's claims as "baseless, illogical, and devoid of substance." The former minister argues that Monfrini himself applied to be re-engaged for the recovery in December 2016, which contradicts the assertion that the job was finished.

Malami contends that he saved the Nigerian state a substantial amount—between 15% and 35% of the recovered sum—by rejecting Monfrini's proposed fee structure. Instead, he engaged a local law firm on a "transparent" 5% success fee basis. He insists that "any claim or investigation suggesting abuse of office or money laundering... is not rooted in any reasonable ground for suspicion."

A Pattern of Scrutiny and Political Undertones

This marks Malami's second encounter with the EFCC in quick succession. He was first invited and detained on November 28, 2025, but was later released on bail. Following that initial release, he posted on his official X account that the engagement was "successful" and that the "truth relating to the fabricated allegations" would unfold.

The re-arrest signals the EFCC's determination to proceed with its investigation. It also occurs within a broader political context, as President Bola Tinubu's administration has recently emphasized a renewed anti-corruption drive. The arrest of a former high-ranking official and a declared governorship aspirant underscores the potential for legal proceedings to intersect with Nigeria's political landscape.

The EFCC has yet to issue an official statement on the latest arrest, and Malami's legal team is expected to challenge the bail terms as the case develops.

*Source: Naija News, Sahara Reporters, Premium Times, and the BBC.*

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