‘What is N270bn?’ — Maina Declares EFCC Can Recover Far More Assets from Ex-AGF Malami

By Emmanuel Kwada

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Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, has asserted that the assets so far linked to Abubakar Malami, the former attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, amount to only a fraction—less than a quarter—of what was allegedly misappropriated.

Maina made the bold claim on Thursday while receiving the Rule of Law and Courage Award from the Garki branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja. He argued that anti-graft authorities, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have merely “scratched the surface” and that significantly more funds and properties can still be recovered from Malami.

“Malami allegedly stole a lot of funds. What the government has seen so far is not even one quarter,” Maina stated. “We can recover these funds from Malami. There are more than what has been seen. What is 270 billion? Yes, the government is doing the right thing. There must be accountability, transparency and the rule of law.”

The N270 billion figure reportedly refers to the value of properties and assets traced to Malami in ongoing investigations.

Maina praised the current administration for prioritizing transparency and accountability, contrasting it sharply with what he described as the shortcomings of the previous government under the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

During his acceptance speech, Maina also recounted his past experiences, including an alleged 2017 meeting in Abu Dhabi where senior officials—including the late President Buhari, former finance minister Kemi Adeosun, ex-national security adviser Babagana Monguno, and Malami—urged him to return to Nigeria to assist in asset recovery efforts.

He claimed pressure was applied through his mother after he initially refused, citing his role in recovering substantial funds during the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

Malami is currently facing trial alongside family members on money laundering charges filed by the EFCC. He was arraigned, remanded briefly at Kuje Correctional Centre, and later granted bail in the sum of N500 million by a federal high court in Abuja on January 7.

The NBA Garki branch chairman, Anthony Ojo, presented the award to Maina in recognition of his dedication to public service, courage in adversity, and commitment to the rule of law and due process. Maina was also named a patron of the branch.

Maina’s statements come amid heightened scrutiny of recovered assets and calls for deeper probes into high-profile corruption cases, reigniting public debate on accountability in Nigeria’s anti-graft efforts.