Abubakar Malami

Abubakar Malami, born on April 17, 1967, in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation from 2015 to 2023.

Background and Education

A Fulani Muslim, Malami’s early education began at Nassarawa Primary School in Birnin Kebbi. He completed secondary education at the College of Arts and Arabic Studies. In 1991, he graduated from Usmanu Danfodiyo University with a degree in Law and was called to the bar in 1992. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Maiduguri, obtained in 1994.

Early Political Career

Malami was the National Legal Adviser of the Congress for Progressive Change and played a key role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013. In 2014, he contested for the APC’s governorship ticket in Kebbi State but stepped down during the party primaries.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice

Appointed as Minister for Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation in 2015, Malami was the youngest minister in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet. He was re-appointed to the same position in 2019.

Tenure Highlights

During his tenure, Malami was instrumental in negotiating the repatriation of over $300 million of stolen funds from the United States and Jersey, linked to former military head of state Sani Abacha. He also played a role in seeking the removal of the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, in 2020.

Corruption and Professional Misconduct Allegations

Malami faced various allegations during his tenure: – Attempts to Remove SAN Rank: He appeared before a disciplinary panel in 2019 over alleged misconduct but the case was dismissed. A 2020 petition also sought to remove his SAN rank for allegedly violating legal rules. – Oil Asset Auction: Reports in 2020 indicated that Malami authorized the auction of seized oil vessels, leading to allegations of corruption and misuse of power. – Family Wealth: Investigations by Sahara Reporters alleged that Malami and his family had amassed substantial wealth during his tenure, which he claimed was from business and investments made before his appointment. – Alleged Diversion of Recovered Money: In 2021, Malami appeared before a House committee over suspected diversion of recovered funds but denied the allegations. – Interference in Corruption Investigations: He was accused of using his power as Attorney-General to halt prosecutions, particularly in high-profile corruption cases.

Philanthropy

Malami co-founded the Khadimiyya for Justice and Development Initiative (KJDI), focusing on advancing human society and providing basic amenities to rural communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization distributed loans and aid to thousands in Kebbi State.

Conclusion

Abubakar Malami’s career is marked by significant roles in Nigeria’s legal and political arenas, though his tenure was not without controversy. His contributions to the legal system, coupled with philanthropic efforts, highlight a multifaceted influence on Nigerian society and governance.