-
EFCC investigation: Police occupation follows an ongoing EFCC probe into alleged financial improprieties involving former AGF Abubakar Malami.
-
High-profile assets: Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena are among properties linked to Malami cited in petitions alleging unexplained wealth.
-
Serious allegations: EFCC petitions reference an alleged $16.9m Abacha loot legal fees scam, money laundering and abuse of office.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have taken over Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena, properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, amid an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Checks on Sunday showed police patrol vans stationed at the facilities, with officers maintaining a security presence around the premises. A video circulating on social media, shared by Imran Muhammad, an APC chieftain and ally of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, showed multiple police patrol vehicles and an armoured personnel carrier positioned in front of the properties.
READ ALSO: Peter Obi Criticises Reps Over Failure to Criminalise Vote-Buying at Party Primaries
The police action comes as the EFCC intensifies investigations following petitions accusing Malami of alleged financial misconduct while in office. The petitions reportedly allege involvement in a $16.9 million legal fees payment linked to the recovery of funds traced to late military ruler Sani Abacha.
According to court documents filed by the EFCC at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, the anti-graft agency is seeking an order to remand Malami and one of his associates, Temitope Isaac Adebayo, for further investigation. The EFCC said it had established a prima facie case of criminal conspiracy, corruption, breach of trust and money laundering.
The petitions, submitted by civil society groups including HEDA, Karlos Community Development and Empowerment Initiative, and GAPAG, alleged that the legal services for which the $16.9m was paid had already been concluded and settled by the Federal Government, making the payment unnecessary.
Beyond the alleged legal fees, the EFCC is also probing claims of unexplained wealth and ownership of high-value assets allegedly disproportionate to Malami’s known income before and during his tenure as Attorney-General.
Properties listed in the petitions include Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena, said to be worth billions of naira, as well as Rayhan Rice Mill, Rayhan Private Academy, Rayhan University, and multiple residential and commercial properties in Abuja, Kano and Kebbi States.
Petitioners maintain that the scale and value of the assets raise serious questions about their funding, insisting that they exceed Malami’s legitimate earnings as a public office holder and legal practitioner.
For publication of Press Releases, Statements, and Advert Inquiries, send an email to info@dailyreport.ng
