By Clarion Newschannel Investigative Team
December 28, 2025
Abubakar Malami, Nigeria’s former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice under President Muhammadu Buhari, has faced numerous allegations of misconduct and selective justice during his tenure. These claims, drawn from public records and reports, paint a picture of controversy surrounding key decisions.
After the 2019 general elections, Senator Danjuma Goje, a contender for Senate Presidency, stepped down in favour of President Buhari’s preferred candidate, Senator Ahmed Lawan. Shortly after, the federal government, through Malami’s office, took over and discontinued Goje’s long-standing ₦25 billion fraud case with the EFCC.
Malami engaged two private Nigerian lawyers for a reported $17 million fee to facilitate the repatriation of $321 million in Abacha loot from Switzerland. Critics alleged the Swiss authorities had already completed the necessary legal processes, and questions remain over the full accounting of the repatriated funds.
In May 2021, Malami announced the arrest of 400 bureau-de-change operators suspected of financing terrorism. However, their identities were not publicly disclosed, and no known prosecutions followed.
In contrast, Malami’s office pursued the swift apprehension and prosecution of Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho and IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Malami approved Omoh-Jay Nigeria Ltd—a company previously on trial for crude oil theft—to auction seized crude oil and diesel belonging to the federal government.
Malami advocated for secret trials of terrorism and treason suspects, excluding media coverage from proceedings.
Reports claimed Malami issued threats to media outlets reporting on his personal wealth or official conduct.
When the UK repatriated £4.2 million looted by former Delta State Governor James Ibori, Malami decided the funds would not go to Delta State—the primary victim—instead directing their use for federal projects.
The House of Representatives summoned Malami to explain clauses in Chinese loan agreements that waived Nigeria’s sovereign immunity in certain disputes.
Malami influenced President Buhari to sign Executive Order 10, enabling direct deductions from state allocations for judiciary and legislature funding. State governors criticised this as an overreach attempting to undermine their authority.
In 2020, amid global COVID-19 restrictions banning large gatherings, Malami’s son held a lavish wedding where protocols were flouted.
Malami prosecuted individuals for spraying naira notes at events, deeming it abuse of currency. Yet, at his son’s wedding, large sums of naira were reportedly sprayed without arrests.
Malami’s administration faced criticism for delaying or denying payments to whistleblowers, even in cases leading to recoveries and charges, potentially discouraging future tips.
These allegations highlight debates over accountability, selective enforcement, and governance during Malami’s time in office. Malami has consistently denied wrongdoing, defending his actions as lawful and in the public interest.
SHOCKING ALLEGATIONS: Abubakar Malami’s Controversial Tenure as Attorney-General Exposed
