EFCC operatives take over Malami’s Abuja residence

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday blocked access to the Abuja residence of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and took possession of the property. Eyewitnesses said the operatives arrived in about five buses and cordoned off Koranakh Close, off Amazon Street, Maitama, effectively sealing the neighbourhood. Residents […]

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday blocked access to the Abuja residence of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and took possession of the property.

Eyewitnesses said the operatives arrived in about five buses and cordoned off Koranakh Close, off Amazon Street, Maitama, effectively sealing the neighbourhood.

Residents and visitors were reportedly prevented from accessing the street as the anti-graft agency mounted a heavy security presence.

The EFCC officials on Monday insisted that they have a valid court order to seal off the residence.

The operation is believed to be linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged financial impropriety. Operatives had earlier, on Monday, marked the property for forfeiture.

In January, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly linked to Malami and two of his sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru Rahman Malami.

The court directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, inviting any individual or organisation with an interest in the assets to appear before the court within 14 days and show cause why a final forfeiture order should not be granted.

In February, Malami filed an application challenging the interim forfeiture of the properties. He was also recently released from custody after being granted bail in a separate case involving alleged terrorism filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

 

‘I can’t rule out political undertone’ – Malami

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Malami said he could not rule out a political undertone in his ordeal with the EFCC.

He described the agency’s action as unprecedented within Nigeria’s judicial system, noting that it ignored an adjourned hearing date of April 20, as well as established enforcement procedures involving court bailiffs and sheriffs.

Malami said his 99-day detention, coupled with the seizure of his properties, raised concerns, particularly as the actions coincided with goodwill messages and solidarity visits from his political associates.

“I think those insinuations of political undertones cannot legitimately be dismissed,” he said.

He accused the EFCC of unilaterally enforcing the interim forfeiture order granted on January 6, 2026, which he is currently challenging in court, where the commission is also a party.

According to him, the EFCC lacks the authority to enforce the order independently, even if it included provisions for eviction, takeover of assets, or appointment of a receiver-manager, as such matters must be fully determined by the court.

He added that Monday’s incident was not isolated, noting that it was compounded by further developments on Tuesday morning.