Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has pushed back strongly against claims that he ran dozens of illegal bank accounts linked to the infamous Abacha loot.
The allegations, reportedly attributed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, suggested that Malami operated as many as 46 bank accounts tied to funds stolen during the regime of late military ruler, General Sani Abacha.
However, speaking through his media aide, Bello Doka, the former justice minister dismissed the claims as entirely fabricated and lacking any evidential basis.
According to Doka, Malami maintains only six bank accounts, all of which are fully known to Nigeria’s anti-graft authorities and compliant with financial regulations.
“Assertions that Malami controls 46 illegal accounts are simply untrue,” Doka said. “Every account he operates is transparent and already within the knowledge of the EFCC and other relevant agencies.”
Moreover, the Malami camp denied any connection between the former minister and recovered Abacha loot or related funds, stressing that no credible link has ever been established.
Doka further revealed that during Malami’s invitation for questioning, the EFCC did not formally confront him with any allegation concerning the purported 46 accounts.
“This claim did not come up during official engagements with investigators,” he said. “It only surfaced later through media narratives, which raises serious questions about procedure and intent.”
In addition, Malami’s aide challenged the EFCC to publicly present evidence to support its claims, urging the agency to disclose at least half of the alleged accounts if they truly exist.
“If investigators are confident in their findings, they should publish verifiable details of these accounts,” Doka said. “Transparency, not speculation, is what strengthens public trust.”
He also called on the anti-graft body to either retract or clearly clarify the allegations, arguing that public statements alone cannot substitute for due process.
Meanwhile, Doka noted that Malami remains open to cooperation with any lawful investigation, adding that the former minister appreciates the support he has received amid the controversy.
The development adds another layer to ongoing public debates around accountability, recovered assets, and the handling of corruption-related claims in Nigeria.