The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has initiated a probe into allegations of corruption and misuse of authority involving Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice during the Buhari’s presidency. Unveiled in a memorandum dated July 19, 2023, the investigation was announced by H.S. Folaranmi, the Petition Registrar of ICPC, on behalf of the Chairman, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye.
The inquiry stems from a petition filed by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), which accuses the former AGF of engaging in corrupt practices and exhibiting autocratic tendencies. The memo stated, “We hereby acknowledge receipt of your petition on the aforementioned matter and wish to inform you that requisite steps are being taken in response.”
HEDA, in a petition dated July 10, 2023, and obtained by our correspondent, addressed the ICPC through its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju. The petition outlined several allegations against Malami, including: The widely reported distribution of 30 car gifts, valued at over N1 billion, to his supporters in Kebbi State. The beneficiaries of these car gifts, as per Premium Times, consisted of social media influencers, executive members of Mr. Malami’s foundation, and women support groups. The lavish gifts included 14 Mercedes Benz cars, eight Prado SUVs, four Toyota Hilux vehicles, and four Lexus LX.
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The alleged illegal auctioning of sea vessels containing seized crude oil, in contravention of Section 31(2) and (4) of the EFCC Act 2004. This action reportedly assumed the role typically vested in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The AGF also authorized the sale of these vessels by companies undergoing EFCC prosecution for a similar offense of illegal bunkering. The AGF’s Media Assistant justified this action, citing the presumption of innocence in a case being prosecuted by the Federal Government through the EFCC.
The purported duplication of a $16.9 million fee payment to two acquaintances, who were hired as new lawyers for recovering loot traced to former Nigerian Head of State, Sani Abacha. This came after Swiss lawyer Enrico Monfrini, who had been hired and compensated by the previous government for the recovery effort, had completed his assigned task.
