Whistleblower Accuses Ex-AGF Malami, Justice Ministry Officials Of Diverting Over $1Billion From Cloned NPA Account, EFCC Opens Probe
January 9, 2026
A whistleblower, John Kpurhe, has accused 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 diverting more than $1.03 billion belonging to the Federal Government through a cloned bank account allegedly linked to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
According to documents obtained by SaharaReporters, the funds—put at $1,034,515,050—were allegedly warehoused in a cloned account bearing number 0013680344, said to be an NPA account domiciled with Unity Bank Plc at NPA, 26/28 Marina, Lagos. The money was allegedly diverted through the account to defraud the Federal Government.
Those named in the petition include Alhaja Ladidi B. Muhammed, a senior official in the Asset Recovery Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice; Barrister Buni, identified as a confidential secretary; and Alhassan Dantata, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Crescent House Limited.
How the Alleged Fraud Was Reported
Kpurhe alleged that after discovering the suspicious account, he approached Malami while he was still Attorney General to disclose what he described as crucial information about the cloned account and the funds it contained. According to a petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by his lawyers, FritzAbbey Solicitors & Advocates, Malami was said to have directed the Head of the Asset Recovery Unit, Alhaja Ladidi B. Muhammed, to take steps to recover the funds.
Following the directive, Kpurhe reportedly submitted a formal information letter dated June 11, 2018, detailing the alleged fraud. An agreement dated June 22, 2018, was subsequently signed on Kpurhe’s behalf by his lawyer, Barrister Mamma, while Malami represented the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Court Trips and Condemnation Certificate
The petition further alleged that officials involved in the recovery process undertook several trips to the Federal High Court in Apapa, Lagos, in an effort to secure a condemnation certificate for the cloned account. Among those who reportedly participated in the court processes were Barrister Buni and Kpurhe himself, who was then part of the recovery team.
Lawyer Removed, Process Allegedly Halted
According to the petition, the recovery process took a controversial turn on July 27, 2018, when Alhaja Ladidi B. Muhammed allegedly wrote a letter terminating the involvement of Kpurhe’s lawyer, Barrister Mamma, on the grounds that the account had become subject to litigation.
However, Kpurhe’s lawyers alleged that the claim was merely a pretext to remove his counsel from the process. The petition quoted Alhaja Ladidi as allegedly admitting that the move was a tactic to disengage the lawyer, whom she reportedly described as a nuisance, while insisting there was “no problem about the account.”
The petition also claimed that on the same day, Alhaja Ladidi directed Kpurhe to submit a fresh information letter, effectively discontinuing the earlier June 11, 2018 letter. Copies of both letters, as well as another information letter allegedly written by Kpurhe’s uncle, Ambassador Gilbert Nwokenye (JP, DSS retired), were said to be available for investigators.
Alleged Conversion of $1.034bn
FritzAbbey Solicitors accused Malami and the other named individuals of converting the entire $1.034 billion for personal use.
“We write with respect to the way and manner the former Attorney General of the Federation, Malami Abubakar (SAN), and his cohorts fraudulently diverted the sum of $1,034,515,050 contained in a cloned account,” the petition stated.
Those alleged to be involved include Malami Abubakar (SAN), Alhaja Ladidi B. Muhammed, Barrister Buni, and Alhassan Dantata of Crescent House Limited.
Security Concerns
The petition also raised concerns about the safety of the whistleblower, stating that Kpurhe and staff of Legal Hub Nigeria were allegedly at risk due to the case. The lawyers urged the EFCC to provide security protection during the investigation, adding that Kpurhe is willing to testify and cooperate fully.
EFCC Acknowledges Petition
SaharaReporters confirmed that the EFCC has received the petition. An official receipt shows it was acknowledged on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 2:49 p.m., with petition number EFCC/PET/HOR/0072/2026.
Malami’s Ongoing Trial
Malami is currently facing trial alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami (SAN), and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe, over a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering involving ₦8.7 billion. He is being held at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
On January 7, 2026, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to Malami and the co-defendants in the sum of ₦500 million each, with strict conditions, including property-owning sureties in highbrow areas of Abuja and the surrender of travel documents.
The court had earlier ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to Malami across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states, following an ex-parte application by the EFCC. Justice Nwite held that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and temporarily vested control of the assets in the Federal Government.