The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has launched an investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of office against the immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
The revelation came to light through a memo dated July 19, 2023, signed by the Petition Registrar, H.S. Folaranmi, on behalf of ICPC Chairman Prof Bolaji Owasanoye.
The ICPC’s actions are in response to a petition filed by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), which accused the former Attorney-General of corruption and high-handedness. In the petition dated July 10, 2023, and addressed to the ICPC Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA outlined several allegations against Malami.
One of the prominent allegations detailed in the petition refers to an incident on May 2, 2022. Various news outlets reported that Abubakar Malami distributed 30 car gifts valued at over N1 billion to his supporters in Kebbi State. These car gifts included 14 Mercedes Benz, eight Prado SUVs, four Toyota Hilux, and four Lexus LX vehicles. The reported beneficiaries of these gifts included social media influencers, executive members of Malami’s foundation, and women support groups.
Another serious accusation highlighted by HEDA concerns the alleged illegal auctioning of sea vessels containing seized crude oil. This action, which reportedly violated Section 31(2) and (4) of the EFCC Act 2004, was portrayed as infringing upon the role of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The auctioning of these vessels reportedly occurred on July 13, 2020, and was reportedly carried out by companies that were under EFCC prosecution for similar offenses of illegal bunkering.
The Attorney-General’s Media Assistant acknowledged the sale, citing the presumption of innocence for the accused parties, despite ongoing prosecution by the Federal Government through the EFCC.
HEDA also raised concerns about an alleged instance of duplicity in the payment of $16.9 million in fees. This payment was reportedly made to two friends of the Attorney-General who were appointed as new lawyers for the recovery of looted funds traced to former Nigerian Head of State, Sani Abacha.
The payment reportedly occurred after a Swiss lawyer, Enrico Monfrini, had been hired and fully paid by the previous government to assist in the recovery. The Swiss lawyer’s involvement was said to have been completed by April 10, 2018, as reported by PremiumTimes.
The ICPC’s memo in response to HEDA’s petition stated, “I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your petition on the above subject and to inform you that necessary action is being taken on the matter.”
The investigation into these allegations marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address corruption and promote accountability within the Nigerian government. The public and various stakeholders will closely monitor the outcome of the ICPC’s investigation.