EFCC compiles charges against Malami

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced compilation of charges against a former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, over alleged misappropriation of funds. It was learnt that Malami, who had been in the anti-graft agency’s detention since Monday, has already been granted bail by the commission but was yet to be released due ongoing verification of some documents submitted. Daily Trust had reported how the EFCC invited Malami last week over transactions linked to the recovery of part of the Abacha loot but released him after several hours. Malami had insisted he knew nothing about the matter and maintained his innocence. Speaking to our correspondent on Wednesday night, a source within the commission explained that the former AGF would be arraigned in court soon. “First, he has been granted an administrative bail but he’s with us because he’s yet to perfect his bail conditions. The documents he submitted for bail are still being scrutinised. Once that is done, he will go. “Secondly, he would be arraigned in court as soon as we conclude our investigation. Charges are already being compiled against him. We’re not bittered. This is not persecution, we’re just doing our job,” the source said. Several phone calls to the spokesman of the commission, Dele Oyewale, rang out. He was yet to reply to a text message sent to him as at when filing this report.

Terrorism financing link? Meanwhile, in a statement, the former attorney-general said that as an officer responsible for upholding the law, he could not have acted as a lawbreaker. He noted that his years as Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation were spent strengthening the fight against terrorism financing. “My attention has been drawn to a recent publication in which my name was mentioned in connection with allegations of terrorism financing and so-called ‘links’ to persons described as terror suspects or alleged financiers. “I consider it necessary, in the interest of truth, justice and public record, to make the following clarifications. “First, I state clearly and unequivocally that I have never at any time been accused, invited, interrogated, investigated or charged by any security, law-enforcement, regulatory or intelligence agency—within or outside Nigeria—in respect of terrorism financing or any related offence,” he said. He added, “Secondly, even the retired military officer cited as the principal source in the said publication categorically admitted that he was not accusing me, or other named individuals, of financing terrorism. “His own account, as reported, was limited to a vague assertion that certain suspects allegedly had some form of ‘business’ or ‘institutional’ relationship with various persons. “That important clarification was, unfortunately, overshadowed by a headline and framing capable of misleading well-meaning members of the public into drawing inaccurate and damaging conclusions which was unfortunately politically manipulated by my political opponents to create mischievous insinuations implying my involvement in terrorism financing. “Terrorism financing is a grave crime with devastating consequences for national security and human life. Any attempt—whether by direct allegation or indirect innuendo—to associate an individual with such an offence must be grounded in verifiable facts, due process and lawful findings, not in conjecture, speculation, or guilt by association. “To suggest that lawful professional or institutional engagements can, without more, be read as evidence of terrorism financing is both mischievous and unjust.”

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