Police Seal Off Arena, Malami’s Hotel, in Kebbi

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have taken control of Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena in Kebbi State, properties linked to a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, following an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The takeover is connected to allegations of money laundering and abuse of office currently being examined by the anti-graft agency.

The EFCC had earlier invited Malami for questioning on November 28 as part of its inquiries into the claims.

The development comes amid heightened tension after Malami raised concerns over what he described as intimidating actions by the EFCC. He had alleged that operatives of the commission carried out simultaneous operations on his offices and private residences in Abuja and Kebbi State.

Reacting to the situation, a former spokesman for the South-East during President Bola Tinubu’s campaign, Josef Onoh, criticised Malami, accusing him of double standards and a lack of respect for due process while in public office. In a statement, Onoh called on the former justice minister to desist from what he termed efforts to blackmail or intimidate the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and instead cooperate fully with investigators as the probe continues.