Nigeria’s former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations linked to terrorism financing, marking one of the most dramatic anti-corruption actions against a former top government official in recent years.

Malami, who served as the country’s chief law officer from 2015 to 2023, was reportedly invited to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday for questioning. Sources familiar with the development said the former AGF arrived at the commission’s office following a formal summons but was held after investigators claimed to have uncovered “fresh and compelling intelligence” tying him to suspicious financial flows allegedly connected to terrorist networks in the North-West and North-East.

Although the EFCC has not issued an official detailed statement, senior officials confirmed late Monday that Malami would “remain in custody pending further interrogation.” According to them, the decision followed months of covert investigations into funds allegedly traced to individuals and organisations already under security watch over links to insurgent financing.

Allegations and the Investigation

The allegations revolve around claims that certain financial transactions carried out between 2016 and 2022 — when Malami was in office — were flagged by both local and international intelligence partners for exhibiting patterns associated with terrorism financing. Investigators believe some of these funds may have indirectly supported armed groups operating across the North-West, including networks responsible for banditry, kidnappings, and cross-border smuggling.

What appears to have triggered the EFCC’s intensified scrutiny, sources said, was a series of disclosures made during earlier interrogations of detained bureau-de-change operators in Kano and Abuja. Some of the suspects reportedly mentioned names of politically exposed persons — including a former senior federal official — in relation to unexplained transfers. These revelations coincided with intelligence from foreign financial-tracking agencies that requested clarification on at least four questionable transactions allegedly linked to accounts associated with individuals close to the former AGF.

While Malami has not issued a personal statement since his detention, his close associates insist the allegations are politically motivated and part of an orchestrated attempt to discredit him. One ally described the development as “an unfortunate witch-hunt,” arguing that Malami “ran one of the most transparent Justice Ministries in recent history” and always cooperated with anti-corruption agencies.

Political Shockwaves

News of Malami’s detention has sent shockwaves through political circles, especially within the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he was a dominant figure during his eight-year tenure. His stewardship at the Ministry of Justice was marked by loyalty to the previous administration, but also by controversy — from the handling of high-profile corruption cases to disputes over recovery of looted assets, and accusations of undue influence over law-enforcement matters.

Analysts say the allegations, if proven, could reshape the national debate around accountability and counterterrorism efforts. For years, questions have persisted about how the country’s well-funded armed groups sustain their operations. Security experts argue that dismantling financial pipelines is crucial to weakening their influence.

Dr. Salisu Ibrahim, a counterterrorism analyst, noted that detaining someone of Malami’s stature signals “a significant shift” in the country’s anti-corruption landscape. “Terrorism financing has long been Nigeria’s weakest point in the fight against insecurity,” he said. “If investigators truly follow the money and act without political interference, it could expose the networks enabling violence in the North.”

Legal Implications and Possible Charges

Legal experts say the EFCC must meet a high burden of proof before formal charges can be brought against a former attorney-general. Under Nigerian law, terrorism financing is one of the most serious offences, carrying heavy penalties, including long-term imprisonment for any individual found culpable.

Potential charges, if filed, would fall under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act as well as provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. The EFCC would need to demonstrate that funds were knowingly transferred, concealed, or structured in ways that supported the logistics, recruitment, or operations of terrorist groups.

It remains unclear whether the commission intends to file charges immediately or seek court approval for extended detention as investigations continue. However, sources indicate that the agency wants to thoroughly cross-check documents, review bank records, and confront the former AGF with testimonies obtained from other suspects.

Reactions from Civil Society

Human rights and anti-corruption organisations have welcomed the development, emphasizing that no public servant should be exempt from scrutiny. The Centre for Anti-Corruption Studies described the detention as “a step toward strengthening democratic accountability.”

However, some groups also warned against media trials and urged investigators to respect due process. “While the allegations are serious, the rule of law must prevail,” said Amnesty Watch Nigeria. “Authorities must ensure transparency and fairness.”

What Happens Next

As of Tuesday morning, Malami remained in EFCC custody. His legal team is expected to file a request for administrative bail, though it is uncertain whether investigators will oppose it.

The development marks a major test for Nigeria’s anti-graft war and could have far-reaching implications for political figures from previous administrations. Whether the case leads to prosecution or fizzles out will depend on the strength of evidence and the resolve of investigators to pursue the matter to its logical end.

For now, the country watches closely as the saga unfolds.