The former Attorney General of the Federation of Nigeria and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, has said that his recent appearance before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was productive. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is Nigeria’s major anti corruption institution responsible for investigating financial crimes and public sector misconduct.
In a message released on his verified X platform account in the early hours of Saturday, Malami explained that the encounter with the investigators went smoothly. He confirmed that he had been released after the engagement and was scheduled for an additional meeting with the commission at a later date. Okay News reports that Malami also suggested that more information surrounding what he described as false claims made against him would become public with time.
While sharing updates on the situation, Malami said, “In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, I give glory to Allah for His divine intervention. 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.”
Before the visit, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had formally invited the former minister for questioning regarding allegations of corruption during his years in office. The invitation followed growing public attention on how several officials who served in previous administrations are undergoing scrutiny for alleged financial wrongdoing.
Malami had earlier declared that he would honour the request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. He said that cooperating with the investigators reflected the principles of transparency and accountability that he claimed to uphold throughout his career.
Reassuring the public of his willingness to participate fully in the inquiry process, he stated previously, “I am informing my family and friends that Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has invited me to clarify some issues, and as a citizen of law and order and a patriot, I am willing to honour this invitation without any hesitation. I believe in the importance of honesty, integrity and accountability in leadership. These are principles I have long supported and upheld over the years I have spent in public service. On this note, I am informing Nigerians of any development that will follow, so that everyone will be aware of what is going to happen next.”
