The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has said that he owned lucrative businesses prior to becoming a minister in President Muhammad Buhari’s cabinet.
In his letter to the president, Malami said contrary to accusations against him that his wealth came from proceeds of corruption, he was already rich because he had booming businesses.
He said his 27 properties were listed in his asset declaration form submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau.
He listed his business ventures to include Rayhaan Hotels and Rayhaan Food & Drinks, which he said have been in operation in Kano, since December 13, 2013, two years before President Buhari came into power and long before he became minister.
“The AGF, who has been under scrutiny following accusation made against him by the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu said the law “does not preclude me from gaining the fruit of my establishments.
He however hinted that he had commenced legal actions against those that accused him of corruption.
Some civil society organisations had urged President Buhari to probe the AGF for alleged corruption and abuse of office.
The AGF had accused the suspended EFCC Chair, Ibrahim Magu of corruption, leading to his arrest and subsequent suspension while the investigation is still on going.