Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has raised alarm over what he described as a renewed attempt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take possession of his Maitama residence in Abuja.
Malami alleged that operatives of the anti-graft agency arrived at his home early Tuesday to enforce a forfeiture order and assume control of the property. The development follows recent operations by security agencies targeting several assets linked to the former minister across the Federal Capital Territory.
During earlier actions, EFCC operatives reportedly stormed multiple locations, including private residences and office spaces associated with Malami, marking them for seizure. Eyewitnesses and video footage from the operations captured tense moments as the former minister confronted officials at one of the properties, demanding to see valid court orders and proper authorisation for the enforcement. He questioned the legality of the exercise and insisted on due process.
The EFCC, however, maintained that its actions were lawful and backed by judicial authority. Sources within the Commission said the operation was in compliance with a valid court-issued forfeiture order and executed in line with Section 5 of the EFCC Act, which empowers the agency to investigate economic and financial crimes and recover assets suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Speaking on Monday after the initial raid, Malami acknowledged the existence of a court order dated January 6, 2026, granting interim forfeiture of his properties. He said the order allowed him 14 days to respond, adding that he had complied by filing an application to set it aside.
He alleged that heavily armed operatives invaded not only the residence where he was present but also other homes and business premises linked to him on March 23, 2026, claiming they were serving letters of invitation. According to him, the conduct of the officials was intimidating and harassing to his immediate family members.
Malami further described the EFCC’s actions as politically motivated. He claimed that his detention for over 99 days without being charged in court, beyond the constitutionally permissible 48 hours, amounted to arbitrary detention and political intimidation.
The former minister also referenced a visit to his residence by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the same day as the EFCC operation, suggesting that the sequence of events pointed to a calculated political move.
Reaffirming his political ambitions, Malami stated that the right to vote and be voted for is a constitutional guarantee. He insisted that reconsidering any governorship ambition was not under discussion and vowed to exercise his constitutional rights.
