Abubakar Malami, the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, confirmed late Friday that he successfully honoured the compulsory invitation extended to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), appearing before the commission for interrogation concerning an undisclosed but high-profile investigation.
In a brief statement following his exit from the EFCC Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, Malami stated that his engagement with the anti-graft agency was successful, maintaining his commitment to honesty, integrity, and accountability throughout the process.
The EFCC had issued the formal invitation, dated November 24, mandating the former AGF to appear for an interview on Friday, November 28, 2025, to provide “certain information” deemed essential to an ongoing case.
Mr. Malami, who served as the nation’s chief law officer for eight years under the immediate past administration, is one of the most high-profile former cabinet members to be formally summoned by the commission since the inauguration of the new administration.
The EFCC’s invitation letter was strategically vague, deliberately avoiding the specification of the alleged offenses or the exact nature of the case under inquiry. However, informed sources close to the Commission suggest the investigation could relate to various complex financial transactions, high-value asset declarations, or pivotal policy decisions authorized during his influential time in office.
Malami confirmed his appearance on his Facebook page earlier on Friday, assuring Nigerians that as a “law-abiding and patriotic citizen,” he was determined to honour the invitation without hesitation, upholding the principles he supported during his tenure.
The appearance signals a potentially renewed and invigorated anti-corruption drive under the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, who has publicly vowed to pursue allegations against both serving and past government officials without fear or favour. The outcome of the interrogation is expected to be crucial in illuminating the investigation’s precise focus and determining the necessary legal next steps in the matter.
TheLink News notes that the interrogation of a figure as politically significant as the former AGF does hold symbolic weight. However, while Malami’s declaration of a “successful engagement” is a standard legal statement indicating compliance, this action has two critical implications for Nigeria’s anti-corruption war, setting a precedent and the due process test yet again.
The Tinubu administration has consistently promised to enforce accountability. By formally interrogating a key figure from the previous administration, the EFCC sends a clear message that the anti-corruption drive will transcend political boundaries and party loyalty, potentially setting a major precedent for the accountability of former high-ranking officials.
As the nation’s former chief law officer, Malami’s case will be a defining test for the EFCC. The agency must ensure that its investigation, however high-profile, strictly adheres to due process and the rule of law. The public scrutiny on this case means any procedural misstep could be weaponized by the defense, potentially derailing the investigation and undermining the credibility of the entire anti-graft effort. The EFCC must build a case that is legally airtight, not politically motivated.
This investigation perhaps marks a major inflection point, demonstrating the current administration’s willingness to probe the inner workings of its predecessor.
