The former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of taking over his residences and offices without a court order.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami claimed that EFCC operatives, accompanied by armed security personnel, “forcefully invaded and took over residences and offices” linked to him on Monday morning.
He added that two individuals were taken into “forceful custody” by the agency during the operation.
Malami said the interim forfeiture order the EFCC relied on had expired. “The order granted on January 6, 2026, was expressly time-bound for a period of 14 days,” he noted, stressing that EFCC officials did not present a “lawful court order authorising their actions” when challenged.
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“The matter is still pending before the court. The case instituted by the EFCC at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, under Justice Joyce Abdulmalik (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026), remains ongoing,” the statement added.
He further explained: “The Honourable Court has not made any final determination on the issues in dispute, and no order authorizing the invasion and marking of the premises was granted. The interim forfeiture order relied upon by the EFCC has elapsed and cannot justify their actions. No valid court order was presented despite requests, highlighting the illegality of their conduct. The EFCC proceeded to occupy, mark, and assert control over my properties, in clear violation of due process.”
Background
In January, a federal high court in Abuja had ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami and his two sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru Rahman Malami, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The court instructed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper and invited anyone with an interest in the assets to appear before the court within 14 days to challenge the forfeiture.
Malami filed an application in February contesting the interim forfeiture of his properties.
He is also facing trial on two separate criminal charges brought by the EFCC and the Department of State Services (DSS) and was recently released on bail in the alleged terrorism case filed by the DSS.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
