– Nigerian police operatives have taken control of 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.

SaharaReporters observed police patrol vans and an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) stationed at the properties, indicating a security operation on site. The development coincides with an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into allegations of financial improprieties involving Malami.

According to court documents and petitions filed by organisations such as HEDA, Karlos Community Development and Empowerment Initiative, and GAPAG, Malami is accused of:

• Authorising a $16.9 million payment in legal fees linked to the recovery of the Sani Abacha loot, despite the services having already been completed and paid for.
• Money laundering, abuse of office, and accumulation of assets far beyond his known legitimate earnings.
• Conferring undue advantage on associates in transactions now under investigation.

The EFCC has filed an application before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking to remand Malami and his associate Temitope Isaac Adebayo in custody for 14 days pending further investigation. The court filings indicate that the investigation has reached an advanced stage and a prima facie case of criminal conspiracy, corruption, breach of trust, and money laundering has been established.

Petitioners allege that Malami’s wealth and properties, including Azbir Hotel, Azbir Arena, Rayhan Rice Mill, Rayhan Private Academy, Rayhan University, and multiple residential and commercial estates in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi, are disproportionate to his legitimate earnings as a public officer and lawyer.

The EFCC’s investigation forms part of a broader crackdown on alleged financial improprieties in public office, with the properties now under police control to secure evidence and prevent asset movement.