UPDATED: MALAMI RAISES CONCERN AS EFCC CONFIRMS FORFEITURE ACTION ON MAITAMA PROPERTY
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
Former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, abubakar malami, has expressed renewed concern over what he described as a fresh attempt by the economic and financial crimes commission (efcc) to seize his maitama residence in abuja.
Malami alleged that officials of the anti-graft agency arrived at his residence early on tuesday morning to enforce a forfeiture order and take control of the property.
this comes after recent actions by security agencies targeting several of the former minister’s assets across the federal capital territory.
During the earlier operations, operatives reportedly stormed several locations, including private homes and office spaces associated with malami, and marked them for seizure.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage from the earlier raids showed tense scenes, with malami confronting officials at one of the locations and demanding to see valid court orders and proper authorization for the enforcement action. he was also seen questioning the legality of the operation and insisting on due process.
meanwhile, the efcc has confirmed that its operatives are acting on a lawful court order and are operating strictly within judicial authority.
sources within the commission said the operation is being carried out in compliance with a valid court-issued forfeiture order and in line with section 5 of the efcc act, which empowers the agency to investigate economic and financial crimes and take necessary enforcement actions, including the recovery of assets believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
‘Political Motivation’
Speaking on monday after the initial raid by efcc operatives, the former attorney-general of the federation acknowledged the existence of a court order dated 6 january 2026 for the forfeiture of his properties, but stated that he was given 14 days to respond, which he said he has already done.
“there were personnel who were fully kitted, fully armed, and very intimidating, harassing my immediate family members, claiming they came to serve letters of invitation. letters were eventually served, not only at the house where they found me, but also at my other properties and business premises, which were all invaded on 23 march 2026 by individuals claiming to be from the efcc. i found that very surprising.
“this is because, to my knowledge, there was indeed a court order dated 6 january 2026 for interim forfeiture of my properties. however, that order gave me 14 days to respond, and we have done so. we have taken the matter to court and filed an application to have the order set aside,” he said.
malami also alleged that the actions of the anti-graft agency were politically motivated.
“The insinuations surrounding this situation clearly point in the direction of political motivation. even as of today, as you know, many people have come forward to show solidarity, noting that my detention for over 99 days—far beyond the constitutional limit of 48 hours without charge—was arbitrary and now suggests political intimidation.
“moreover, the fact that among those who visited my home on 23 march 2026 was former vice president of the federal republic of nigeria, atiku abubakar, followed shortly by an efcc raid, suggests a possible link that raises concerns about political motivation.
“the right to vote and be voted for is guaranteed by the constitution. as a nigerian, i am entitled to those rights, and any suggestion that i should reconsider my governorship ambition is not under consideration. it is a constitutional right, and i intend to fully exercise it,” malami added.
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