Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), is embroiled in a new investigation concerning the arms and ammunition discovered at his residence.
The Legal Observer reports that these arms were found at his Kebbi country home during a search conducted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency has transferred the weapons to the Department of State Services (DSS) for a thorough investigation, citing its lack of constitutional authority to probe the possession.
Journalists have indicated that while the exact number of arms and ammunition has not been independently verified, sources suggest that their quantity is significant enough to warrant a full investigation by the DSS.
Last week, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, granted bail to Malami, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz Malami, in the sum of N500 million, requiring two sureties each in relation to the ongoing fraud trial.
However, sources claim he may be delaying the process to stall the DSS inquiry regarding the weapons found in his home.
“The former minister is under separate investigation for allegedly possessing arms in his residence in Birnin Kebbi. The inventory of this shocking discovery has been submitted to the DSS.
“It is now up to Malami to explain to the DSS the origin of the arms. That’s why he has yet to fulfill his bail conditions. He is currently in custody to avoid arrest by the DSS.
“DSS operatives are positioned near Kuje Correctional Service, ready to invite Malami. He has been alerted to their presence and has raised concerns. However, the law will take its course.”
Another insider from the EFCC mentioned that Malami has not met his bail conditions.
“According to our records, the former AGF is still in custody. We have seen various misleading clips circulating on social media regarding his supposed arrival and enthusiastic reception in Kebbi State,” the source explained.
The source continued, “The investigation into Malami’s actions during his tenure commenced when former EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu was in charge.
“The inquiry has persisted through the tenure of another Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Chukkol, to the current Executive Chairman. Chukkol, who worked within the agency, briefly oversaw matters before Olukoyede’s appointment.
“There is no vindictiveness associated with this investigation since 2019. It is an inherited case, and the ex-AGF is well aware of this.”
Olukoyede confirmed during an interview last night on national television that he inherited the Malami case.
A Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 assets linked to Malami and his two sons last week.
These assets are valued at N213,234,120,000.
The court has granted Malami, his sons, or any other claimants a 14-day period to provide proof that the assets were legally acquired.
Failure to present valid claims within this timeframe may result in the permanent forfeiture of the assets to the Federal Government.
The court’s order was based on the invocation of the Non-Conviction Asset Forfeiture Clause in the EFCC Establishment Act.
The EFCC has sought permission from the Federal High Court to seize the assets deemed suspicious in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Birnin-Kebbi.
