Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says former Attorney-General and Justice Minister Abubakar Malami is being held after failing to meet the conditions of his bail.
The EFCC rejected claims by Mr Malami that his detention was linked to his attendance at a political event in Kebbi State, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
In a statement on Saturday, the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said Mr Malami was granted administrative bail following a brief interrogation on 28 November 2025, pending the conclusion of investigations and a possible court appearance.
According to the EFCC, the bail was provisional and subject to five conditions, none of which the former minister has fulfilled.
“Administrative bail is a discretionary, temporary reprieve granted on stated conditions pending the conclusion of investigations,” Mr Oyewale said, adding that Mr Malami had neither met the requirements nor shown willingness to comply with them.
The EFCC said Mr Malami was expected to return for further questioning on 1 December, but requested a postponement in a letter dated 4 December, citing ill health. The commission said it granted the request on compassionate grounds, despite the outstanding bail conditions.
However, the agency said Mr Malami failed to provide a medical report or any credible evidence to support his claim of ill health. His reporting date was subsequently deferred to 4 December.
Mr Oyewale said the former minister was invited again on 8 December for further interrogation and was detained until he complies with the pending bail conditions.
The EFCC dismissed as “untenable” claims that Mr Malami’s bail had been revoked, insisting that the issue was his failure to satisfy the terms attached to his temporary release. It also denied allegations that he had been barred from granting media interviews or participating in political activities.
“The EFCC has no interest in the political affiliation of its suspects,” Mr Oyewale said, adding that such claims were “strange” coming from a former chief law officer of the country.
The commission advised Mr Malami to honour the bail conditions he acknowledged and signed on 28 November and to cooperate fully with investigators.
Mr Malami has remained in detention since Monday.
Truthlive news had earlier reported that Malami is being investigated for 18 alleged offences, including abuse of office and terrorism financing allegations.