Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of demonstrating abuse of power after taking over his residences and offices without presenting a court order.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami said that operatives of the EFCC, in the company of armed security personnel, on Monday, “forcefully invaded and took over residences and offices” linked to him.
The former AGF said two people were taken into “forceful custody” by officials of the anti-graft agency during the “invasion”.
Malami said the interim forfeiture order relied upon by the EFCC had expired, adding that the order “granted on January 6, 2026, was expressly time-bound for a period of 14 days”.
He added that the EFCC operatives did not present a “lawful court order authorising their actions” when they were challenged.
“The matter is still pending before the court. The case instituted by the EFCC at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026), remains ongoing,” the statement reads.
“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 argued and granted.
‘The interim forfeiture order relied upon by the EFCC has elapsed. The ex parte order granted on January 6, 2026 was expressly time-bound for a period of 14 days, which had already elapsed. That order has since lapsed and cannot, under any stretch of the law, justify the EFCC’s actions today.
“No valid court order was presented. At the time of the invasion, EFCC operatives were requested to produce a lawful court order authorising their actions. They failed, refused, and/or neglected to present any such order, underscoring the illegality of their conduct.
“Forceful takeover and marking of properties. The EFCC proceeded, in a show of force, to unlawfully occupy, mark, and assert control over Malami’s houses and offices, in clear violation of due process and established legal procedures.”
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 daily 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 made.
In February, Malami filed an application challenging the interim forfeiture of the properties linked to him.
The former AGF is standing trial on two separate criminal charges filed by the EFCC and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Malami was recently released from custody after he was granted bail in the alleged terrorism case filed by the DSS.
