Denge Josef Onoh defends EFCC’s probe of former AGF Malam Abubakar Malami, challenging claims of political witch-hunt and highlighting unexplained wealth and asset accumulation post-tenure
Denge Josef Onoh, former southeast spokesman to President Bola Tinubu and Chairman of the forum of former members of the Enugu Assembly, has defended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s investigation of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Malam Abubakar Malami.
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Speaking from his residence in Marne-la-Vallée, Paris, Onoh said the probe is neither a witch-hunt nor politically motivated.
He recalled Malami’s career prior to his 2015 appointment as AGF, noting that his wealth before public office was tied to private legal practice and modest public service roles.
Pre-2015 Career and Wealth
Born April 17, 1967, in Birnin Kebbi, Malami earned an LL.B from Usmanu Danfodiyo University in 1991 and became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2008.
Onoh highlighted Malami’s private legal practice, magistracy, and work as principal partner at A.A. Malami & Co.
Malami was active in opposition politics, serving as National Legal Adviser to the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and contributing to the APC’s formation.
Onoh challenged Malami to disclose his asset declaration prior to 2015, stating there are no records of large-scale private businesses or substantial wealth before his AGF tenure.
Post-AGF Wealth and EFCC Probe
Since leaving office in 2023, Malami has been linked to assets worth over ₦10 billion, including:
Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena in Birnin Kebbi
Rayhaan University
Rayhaan Rice Mill
Private academies and multiple properties across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi
Onoh emphasized that this sudden wealth accumulation raises legitimate questions about its sources, justifying EFCC’s ongoing investigation into alleged abuse of office, money laundering, mismanagement of recovered Abacha loots, and unexplained assets.
Response to Malami’s Claims
Malami has described the EFCC probe as politically motivated.
Onoh dismissed these claims, arguing Malami wields no significant political influence in Kebbi State to warrant a witch-hunt.
He also criticized Malami’s selective reference to the Justice Salami Report, calling it a desperate attempt to deflect scrutiny.
Onoh further cited Malami’s role in controversial policies, including the 2022–2023 naira redesign, which caused public hardship and was partially ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Call for Accountability
Onoh urged Malami to cooperate fully with the EFCC, noting that his alleged mismanagement of national assets, including Abacha loots, represents a serious betrayal of public trust.
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He stated:
“Every right-thinking Nigerian must rise in defence of the EFCC. Allow the agency to perform its statutory duty without fear or favour. Corruption fights back fiercely, but accountability must prevail for Nigeria’s progress.”
