Nigerian Police Take Over Properties Linked to Former AGF Abubakar Malami Amid EFCC Probe
Authorities in Nigeria have taken control of Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, properties associated with former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN. The move comes as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigates allegations of financial misconduct against him.
SaharaReporters reported that police patrol vehicles and officers were stationed at the sites to maintain security following the takeover. A video shared on X by Imran Muhammad, a supporter of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and APC member, showed five police patrol vans and an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) outside the properties, indicating an ongoing operation.
The EFCC is acting on multiple petitions accusing Malami of authorising a $16.9 million payment in legal fees related to the recovery of the Sani Abacha loot, despite prior completion of the services by foreign legal counsel already paid by the federal government. The petitions also allege money laundering, abuse of office, and accumulation of assets far beyond his known earnings.
Court documents reveal that the EFCC has applied to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to detain Malami and his associate, Temitope Isaac Adebayo, in EFCC custody for 14 days for further investigation. In affidavits, the commission stated that it had received complaints from organisations including the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Karlos Community Development and Empowerment Initiative, and Grassroot Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance (GAPAG).
The petitions highlight Malami’s ownership of high-value assets, including Azbir Hotel, Azbir Arena, Rayhan Rice Mill, Rayhan Private Academy (Nursery to Secondary School), Rayhan University in Kebbi State, and several residential and commercial properties across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi. Critics argue that the scale and value of these assets far exceed his lawful income before and during his tenure as Attorney-General.
The EFCC maintains that its investigation has reached an advanced stage, with a prima facie case of criminal conspiracy, corruption, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering against Malami and his associate.
