Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have taken control of the Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena in Kebbi State, properties belonging to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
The action is directly linked to an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into Malami for alleged money laundering and abuse of office.
The EFCC had earlier invited Malami for questioning on November 28. Prior to the police takeover, Malami raised serious concerns, alleging “threatening actions” by the anti-graft agency. He reported that EFCC operatives had conducted coordinated raids on his offices and private residences in both Abuja and Kebbi State.
The investigation has drawn sharp criticism from some quarters, notably from Josef Onoh, a former spokesman for the South-East to President Bola Tinubu. Onoh accused Malami of hypocrisy and a disregard for the rule of law during his tenure as the nation’s chief law officer.
In a public statement, Onoh urged Malami to cease what he described as “attempts to blackmail and intimidate” the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. He instead called on the former minister to fully cooperate and submit himself to the ongoing investigation.
The police takeover of the hotel and event center signifies an escalation in the probe, moving from inquiries and raids to the direct seizure of assets. This step is often taken to secure properties that may be subject to potential forfeiture proceedings if the investigation leads to prosecution and conviction.
The development marks a dramatic turn for the former AGF, who was the government top legal advisor until May 2023. Both the EFCC and the Nigeria Police Force are expected to provide further details on the scope of the investigation and the legal basis for the asset seizure in the coming days.
