The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday granted administrative bail to the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of questioning at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Mr Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), confirmed his release in a Facebook post early Saturday, saying he would continue to cooperate with investigators.
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“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention,” he wrote.
“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 continue to unfold.”
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PREMIUM TIMES reported on Friday that the anti-graft agency had invited the former minister for interrogation.
EFCC had summoned Mr Malami through a letter dated 24 November and signed by Sunday Ofen-Imu on behalf of the commission’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
“The Commission is investigating a case which the need to obtain certain information from you becomes imperative,” the letter earlier reported by Channels Television stated.
He was directed to appear at the EFCC Headquarters in the Institution and Research District, Jabi, Abuja, to meet with investigators from the Special Duty Committee-3.
“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly attend an interview with the undersigned through the Head, Special Duty Committee-3. This request is made pursuant to Section 38(1) and (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2024. Your cooperation in this regard is highly solicited, please,” the commission added.
The EFCC did not disclose the specific allegations for which Mr Malami was invited.
Malami’s response
In a post on Friday, the former minister confirmed receiving the invitation and pledged to honour it.
“I am informing my family and friends that EFCC has invited me to clarify on some issues, and as a citizen of law and order and patriot, I am willing to honour this invitation without any hesitation,” he wrote.
“I believe in the importance of honesty, integrity and honesty in leadership; these are principles I’ve long supported and upheld over the years I’ve spent in public service.”
In another statement, he reiterated his readiness to cooperate fully with investigators, adding that accountability and transparency remained core values of his public service career.
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“This is to confirm that I have been invited by the EFCC. As a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I hereby reaffirm my commitment to honour the invitation,” he said.
“Rooted in public service and in the spirit of transparency and accountability, I am committed to sharing with the Nigerian public the developments as they unfold.”
EFCC yet to comment
A message sent to EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Saturday to confirm Mr Malami’s release and the details of the commission’s case against him had not been replied at the time of filing this report.
Mr Malami served as AGF during the two terms of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
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