Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of carrying out politically motivated actions following a raid and the marking of properties linked to him in Abuja.
Operatives of the anti-graft agency on Monday marked one of Malami’s properties after obtaining an interim forfeiture order from a court, a move the commission described as part of standard legal procedure.
However, in a viral video circulating online, the former minister was seen confronting EFCC officials, demanding to see the court order authorising their actions and questioning the legality of the operation.
Speaking to journalists, Malami described the raid as intimidating, alleging that heavily armed operatives harassed members of his family under the guise of serving invitation letters.
According to him, the officials not only visited the residence where he was present but also extended their actions to multiple properties and business premises linked to him.
Read Also:
- EFCC arraigns Man over alleged N9.87m fraud in Lagos, Court orders remand
- EFCC hands over N3.94bn recovered funds to NNPC over internal fraud
- EFCC arrests 3 suspected illegal Gold Miners in Maiduguri
“There were personnel who were fully kitted, fully armed, and very intimidating, harassing my immediate family members,” Malami said, adding that letters were eventually served across several locations.
The former minister acknowledged that a court had granted an order on January 6, 2026, permitting access to his properties, but insisted that he had complied with due process by responding within the stipulated timeframe and challenging the order in court.
“We have responded, joined issues before the court, and filed an application to have the order set aside,” he stated.
Malami further alleged that the timing of the operation raised suspicion, noting that the raid occurred shortly after a solidarity visit by prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He claimed the development suggested a pattern of political intimidation, referencing what he described as his previous prolonged detention, which he said exceeded constitutionally permitted limits.
“The insinuations associated with this unfolding drama point to a clear direction of political motivation,” he said.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Malami maintained that he would not back down from his political ambitions, particularly his reported governorship aspiration.
“The right to vote and be voted for is constitutional. I will certainly exercise that right,” he added.
Responding to the allegations, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale defended the agency’s actions, stating that the marking of the property was in line with a valid interim forfeiture order issued by a competent court.
Oyewale explained that such markings serve as public notice regarding the legal status of properties under investigation and are part of routine law enforcement procedures.
