EFCC Probes Alleged $1bn NPA Account Diversion Linked to Former AGF MalamiThe Economic and Financial Crimes

By Our Correspondent

Commission is investigating a whistleblower’s petition alleging the diversion of over one billion dollars from a purportedly cloned Nigerian Ports Authority bank account.

The petition, submitted on January 8, 2026, accuses former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice and a private businessman, of involvement in the alleged financial misconduct.
According to the whistleblower, the funds were allegedly kept in a cloned NPA account domiciled with a commercial bank in Lagos.

The petitioner claims he alerted authorities to the existence of the account in 2018 and was instructed to assist with efforts to recover the funds on behalf of the Federal Government.

The petition further alleges that rather than being recovered, the funds were diverted through unauthorized transactions. Those named in the petition include senior officials attached to the Ministry of Justice’s asset recovery unit and a private sector figure allegedly linked to the account.

The EFCC has acknowledged receipt of the petition and issued an official reference number, confirming that investigative processes are underway. No formal charges have been filed in connection with the allegations at the time of reporting.

The whistleblower’s legal representatives have also requested security protection, citing concerns for his safety as investigations continue.
The development comes amid ongoing legal proceedings involving Malami in separate matters, which he has consistently denied. The former minister has not yet issued a public response to the latest allegations.