Nigeria's former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has confirmed his appearance and subsequent release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following an invitation to clarify certain issues. Malami, who served as AGF during former President Muhammadu Buhari's two terms, was granted administrative bail after hours of questioning at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

Malami used his official X handle and Facebook page to keep Nigerians updated, expressing gratitude for what he termed "divine intervention." He stated that the engagement was successful and that he was released, though he has an appointment for further engagement as "the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continue to unfold." Reports from top sources indicated that Malami was in EFCC custody for a significant period on Friday, securing his bail by providing two top-level civil servants as surety, specifically two permanent secretaries, to meet the required conditions.

Prior to his appearance, Malami had announced the EFCC's invitation, assuring the public of his willingness to comply as a law-abiding citizen and patriot. He emphasized his long-standing commitment to honesty, integrity, and accountability in public service, describing these principles as central to his career. The EFCC had formally summoned Malami through a letter dated November 24, signed by Sunday Ofen-Imu on behalf of the commission’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede. The letter stated that the commission was investigating a case requiring information from him and directed him to appear before investigators from the Special Duty Committee-3, citing Section 38(1) and (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2024.

While the EFCC did not publicly disclose the specific allegations for which Malami was invited, TheCable had previously reported in 2023 that Malami would be questioned over at least five suspicious transactions during his tenure. These questionable deals under the Muhammadu Buhari administration included a mysterious payment of $496 million to Global Steel Holdings Ltd (GSHL) as settlement for the termination of the Ajaokuta Steel concession, despite the Indian company having waived all claims for compensation nine years prior. Other contentious matters involve Malami’s handling of the sale of assets worth billions of naira forfeited to the EFCC by politically exposed persons, his role in the $419 million judgment debt awarded to consultants who claimed to have facilitated the Paris Club refunds to states, a curious agreement to pay Sunrise Power $200 million compensation in its dispute with the federal government over the Mambilla power project, and duplicated legal fees in the transfer of $321 million Abacha loot from Switzerland to Nigeria.

As of the time of reporting, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, had not responded to inquiries regarding Malami’s release or the specific details of the commission’s case against him, maintaining official silence on the matter.