The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has confiscated the travel documents of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, as investigators intensify a probe into the handling of a recovered $490 million linked to the late General Sani Abacha.
Officials familiar with the development confirmed that Malami’s passport was taken on Friday as part of the conditions for his release the following day.
Moreover, he was directed to appear daily at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja while questioning continues.
According to sources, the former minister has also been placed under a one-month travel ban to ensure he is available for “critical stages” of interrogation.
One senior official explained that Malami cannot leave the country “without the express approval of the EFCC or a court order,” stressing that the measure is procedural in high-profile financial investigations.
Investigators are focusing on the repatriated $490 million, which was returned to Nigeria under a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty.
An EFCC source stated that the agency expects the former AGF to provide detailed explanations regarding the transaction.
“No one has accused him of stealing the money, but he must clarify the decisions taken under his watch,” the official said.
Malami, however, has rejected any wrongdoing, describing the allegations as unfounded and driven by political motives. He insisted that “the truth will eventually clear my name.”
EFCC insiders noted that the agency imposed the travel restriction due to extensive documentation and multiple interview sessions required to complete the probe.
The commission added that it would not engage in public arguments but would release its findings upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the matter has continued to draw national attention, given the sensitivity surrounding the management of recovered assets and longstanding concerns about transparency in high-level government transactions.
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