A civil society organisation, Human and Environmental Agenda (HEDA), has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over alleged corruption and abuse of office.
HEDA accused Malami of distributing 30 car gifts worth over N1 billion to his supporters in Kebbi State, among other allegations. The car gifts include 14 Mercedes Benz, eight Prado SUVs, four Toyota Hilux and four Lexus LX. The beneficiaries were said to be social media influencers, executive members of Malami’s foundation and women support groups.
The group also alleged that Malami illegally auctioned sea vessels holding crude oil seized by the Federal Government, violated the EFCC Act by assuming the role of the anti-graft agency, paid $16.9 million fees to two friends for the recovery of Abacha loot after a Swiss lawyer had completed the job, and sought the withdrawal of cases against Bello Adoke, Diezani Alison-Madueke, Abubakar Aliyu and others involved in the Malabu scandal.
HEDA said it was alarmed by the lack of investigation by anti-corruption agencies into these allegations, which were conveyed by media reports and documentary evidence. It said such lack of investigation went “to the root of breakdown of law and order and total disregard for the rule of law while Mr Malami served as Minister of Justice.”
The group urged the ICPC to conduct a “thorough, immediate and urgent investigation” into the allegations and bring Malami to justice if found culpable. It said it strongly believed that the allegations against the former AGF were too serious to be ignored or allowed to go without investigation.
