Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has bemoaned the effects of corruption on Nigeria, saying graft has prevented the country from fulfilling its God-given potentials.
The EFCC boss made the remark in his Christmas message to Nigerians, who joined their counterparts all over the world in celebrating Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ the Savior of Mankind.
According to Olukoyede, God’s blessing will continue to elude the country so long corruption persists.
Olukoyede said, “Let’s join hands together to make our nation greater, stronger and richer. Corruption is a drawback. We should confront it more fiercely to allow the abundant life of God manifest in our nation.”
The magazine reports that the anti-graft agency has stepped up the war against graft in the country in the last few weeks, after arresting some high profile Nigerians who were alleged to have corruptly enriched themselves form the public patrimony.
Among those arrested in the last one month include, former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige and Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN and former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the federation.
The former Nigerian chief Law Officer was alleged by the EFCC to have illegally acquired properties worth over N200 billion while he served under the administration of the late Muhammadu Buhari.
Malami has now being charged by the anti-graft agency even though he has denied the allegations.
In the 16 count charge, the EFCC accused the former AGF, his first wife, Hajia Asabe, and his son of fraudulently acquiring multiple properties and funelling billions of naira through bank accounts in Abuja, Knao and Kebbi states. Over 40 properties , the EFCC alleged was acquired by Malami between 2015 and 2025.
Their actions, the anti-graft agency said were in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022.
Allegations Against Malami
In count one, the EFCC alleged that between July 2022 and June 2025, Mr Malami and his son directed Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal over N1 billion (N1,014,848,500) in a Sterling Bank account, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.
Count two states that between September 2020 and February 2021, the duo allegedly concealed more than N600 million (N600,013,460.40) through the same company.
In count three, the commission alleged that in March 2021, Mr Malami and his son retained N600 million as cash collateral for a N500 million Sterling Bank loan to Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, despite knowing the funds were illicit.
Count four alleges that in November 2022, Mr Malami, his son, and Mrs Asabe disguised N500 million used to purchase a luxury duplex in Maitama, Abuja.
In count five, the EFCC claimed that between November 2022 and September 2024, the trio conspired to conceal N1,049,173,926.13 paid through Meethaq Hotels Ltd’s Union Bank account.
Count six states that between November 2022 and October 2025, Mr Malami and his son allegedly took control of N1,362,887,872.96 from the same account, knowing it was illicit.
Count seven alleges that in November–December 2018, Mr Malami and Mrs Asabe concealed N700 million used to purchase No 3 Onitsha Crescent, Garki Abuja. (Hamonia Hotels Ltd).
In count eight, between September and December 2020, the duo and Mrs Asabe allegedly concealed N850 million to buy a property in Jabi District, Abuja (Meethaq Hotels Ltd).
Count nine states that in February 2018, Malami and Hajia Bashir acquired No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja for N430 million, allegedly from unlawful sources.
In count 10, the pair allegedly concealed N210 million in February 2018 to purchase a property in Asokoro District, Abuja.
Count 11 alleges that between March and June 2021, they concealed N325 million used to acquire No. 1241B Asokoro District, Abuja.
In count 12, the EFCC stated that between November 2015 and January 2016, the duo concealed N120 million used to purchase No. 27 Efab Estate, Gwarinpa, Abuja.
Count 13 alleges that in November 2022, Mr Malami, his son, and Mrs Asabe conspired to hide funds used to acquire a luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja.
In count 14, between December 2016 and April 2022, Malami, Mrs Asabe, and others allegedly conspired to acquire additional properties for Mr Malami with proceeds of unlawful activity.
Count 15 states that between June 2023 and January 2023, Mr Malami allegedly concealed N537 million used to purchase multiple properties across Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano.
Finally, in count 16, the EFCC alleged that between October 2018 and December 2021, Mr Malami concealed N415 million used to acquire several properties in Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano.
The case filed by the EFCC at the Federal High court, Abuja has been adjourned to January 15, 2026 for hearing.
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