Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, has alleged that the assets so far linked to Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, represent only a small fraction of the funds allegedly misappropriated.
Speaking in Abuja while receiving the Rule of Law and Courage Award from the Garki branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Maina said authorities have merely scratched the surface, stressing that much more could be recovered if thorough investigations are carried out.
He praised the current administration for what he described as its commitment to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law, contrasting it with the previous government under the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to Maina, the N270 billion reportedly recovered so far is insignificant compared to the total amount allegedly diverted.
“What has been seen is not even one quarter of what was taken. There is much more that can and should be recovered. What is N270 billion? The government is doing the right thing, and there must be full accountability and transparency,” he said.
Maina also recounted an incident in which he claimed that senior government officials, including the late President Buhari, former finance minister Kemi Adeosun, former national security adviser Babagana Monguno, and Malami, travelled to Abu Dhabi to persuade him to return to Nigeria.
He said he declined their request, adding that pressure was later mounted on his mother to convince him to comply.
According to him, the move followed information allegedly provided by former President Goodluck Jonathan about his role in the recovery of N1.63 trillion and 227 properties during Jonathan’s administration—claims he said could be verified by former finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Meanwhile, Malami is currently standing trial alongside his wife and son over allegations of money laundering. He was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
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