By Muhammed Akindele
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially invited former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, SAN, over allegations of corruption linked to his tenure in office.
Reports indicate that the anti-graft agency has been investigating multiple financial transactions that took place while Malami served as AGF.
These include a $496 million payment to Global Steel Holdings Ltd, made as settlement for the termination of the Ajaokuta Steel concession nearly a decade after the Indian firm had reportedly waived all claims for compensation.
The EFCC is also probing Malami’s handling of the sale of assets forfeited by politically exposed persons, worth billions of naira, as well as his involvement in a $419 million judgment debt awarded to consultants who claimed to have facilitated the Paris Club refunds to Nigeria’s states.
Questions have also been raised about a $200 million compensation payment to Sunrise Power in a dispute with the federal government over the Mambilla power project, and alleged duplicated legal fees in the transfer of $321 million of Abacha loot from Switzerland to Nigeria.
In response to the invitation, Malami confirmed on his official social media page that he would comply with the EFCC. “As a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I hereby reaffirm my commitment to honour the invitation,” he wrote.
He added that he remained committed to transparency and accountability in public service and promised to keep the Nigerian public informed as the matter unfolds.
