Trending 
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has expressed fresh concerns over what he claims is a renewed effort by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take over his residence in Maitama, Abuja.
Malami alleged that operatives of the anti-corruption agency arrived at his home early on Tuesday to enforce a forfeiture order and assume control of the property.
The development follows recent actions by security agencies targeting several assets linked to the former minister within the Federal Capital Territory.
During those earlier operations, officials were observed visiting multiple locations, including private homes and office premises associated with Malami, marking them for seizure.
Eyewitnesses and video clips from the raids captured tense exchanges, with Malami challenging officials at one of the sites, requesting valid court documentation and proper authorisation for the enforcement. He was seen questioning the legality of the process and insisting on adherence to due process.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has stated that its operatives are acting on a lawful court directive grounded in judicial authority.
Sources within the Commission indicated that the exercise is being carried out in line with a valid court-issued forfeiture order and in accordance with Section 5 of the EFCC Act, which authorises the agency to investigate financial crimes and undertake enforcement actions, including the recovery of assets suspected to be proceeds of illegal activities.
‘Political Motivation’
Speaking on Monday following the initial operation by EFCC personnel, the former Attorney-General acknowledged the existence of a court order dated 6 January 2026 for the interim forfeiture of his properties but noted that he had been granted 14 days to respond, which he said he had done.
“There were personnel that were fully kitted, fully armed, and very intimidating, harassing my immediate family members to the effect that they came to serve letters of invitation. So letters were eventually served, not only in respect of the house where they found me, but my other multiple houses and business premises were all invaded today, on the 23rd day of March 2026, by personnel that claimed to have come in from EFCC. I found that attitude very amazing.
“Amazing in the sense that, to my knowledge, indeed there was an order of the court dated 6th January 2026 for interim forfeiture of my properties. But the implication of that order was that my person was given an opportunity of 14 days within which to respond. Now the issue is we have responded. We joined issues before the court and filed an application for such order to be set aside,” he said.
Malami further alleged that the actions of the anti-graft agency were politically driven.
“The fact that insinuations associated with the unfolding drama honestly point to a clear direction of political motivation. Even as of today, as you rightly know, a lot of people are coming around to show their solidarity, arising from the view that my detention in custody for over 99 days—contrary to what is tolerated constitutionally of 48 hours without being charged to court—was indeed arbitrary, and now points to a direction of political intimidation.
“But the fact that among the people who visited my house today, the 23rd day of March 2026, was the former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, and then the EFCC came over to invade my property shortly thereafter, points to a clear possible calculation, a possible conclusion that the actions were politically motivated.
“The right to vote and be voted for is constitutional. I am a Nigerian equally entitled to the enjoyment of those privileges. So the idea of perhaps reconsidering my ambition associated with governorship is not on the table as far as discussions are concerned. It’s constitutional, and I will certainly exercise my constitutional right over it,” Malami added.
