The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confiscated the international passport of former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, as part of its ongoing investigation into the alleged $490 million Abacha loot recovered through a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLAT) request.

A source in the EFCC confirmed on Sunday that Malami is barred from leaving Nigeria for the next month and is required to report daily to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for further questioning. Travel outside the country is only permitted with EFCC consent or a High Court order.

The commission clarified that Malami is not accused of theft at this stage but is expected to account for the funds. The EFCC cited the large volume of documents he must review and the need for extensive interviews as reasons for the passport seizure.

Malami has dismissed the allegations as fabricated, stating on X that his engagement with the EFCC was “successful” and that he was released pending further meetings. He remained silent on the passport seizure but reiterated that the truth behind the claims would soon emerge.

The EFCC emphasized that it will release its findings after a thorough investigation, avoiding a public war of words.