FORMER Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has spent a third consecutive night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after failing to meet the stringent bail conditions imposed by investigators.
News Point Nigeria reports that Malami, who is currently under interrogation over allegations relating to terrorism financing and the operation of 46 bank accounts, has strongly denied all claims, describing them as politically motivated attempts to tarnish his image.
Sources disclosed that the former minister’s inability to meet key bail requirements including the surrender of his international passport and the presentation of two serving permanent secretaries as sureties — has prolonged his stay in EFCC custody.
He is also required to report daily to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for 30 consecutive days as part of the ongoing investigation.
Although the EFCC has not officially charged him, the stringent conditions reflect the seriousness of the allegations being examined by investigators.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by his Media Assistant, Mohammed Doka, Malami dismissed all allegations as “false, mischievous, and unsupported by any official record.”
According to Doka, the narrative suggesting that Malami is being investigated for terrorism financing is completely fabricated.
“There is no allegation, investigation or charge of terrorism financing against Malami, SAN, by the EFCC or by any other security, intelligence or law-enforcement agency, whether in Nigeria or abroad,” he stated.
He further argued that the claim that Malami operated or controlled 46 bank accounts was part of a “coordinated media trial,” adding that no security agency had ever questioned him about such accounts.
Doka insisted that none of the allegations hold any factual basis: “Claims suggesting that Mr. Malami operates ‘46 bank accounts’ are entirely fictitious, unsupported by facts, official records or lawful findings.”
He noted that even a retired military officer cited in a recent viral report had clarified that he never accused Malami of financing terrorism.
The statement appealed to the public to disregard what it described as “sensational reporting and media persecution,” expressing confidence that the former AGF would “emerge stronger.”
“We remain confident that Malami, SAN, will triumph against all forms of political witch-hunt, misinformation and intimidation,” Doka added.
As at Wednesday night, the EFCC had not released any official statement confirming or denying the allegations or clarifying the ongoing investigation.
Malami is expected to remain in custody until he meets all bail obligations or the EFCC decides otherwise.