The former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has claimed that agents from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted planned raids on his offices and private residences in Abuja and Kebbi State.
The action followed a recent statement regarding Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Mohammed Bello, Malami stated that the raids took place shortly after his office released a statement discussing Chapter 9 of the Salami Report, which purportedly implicated the current EFCC chairman.
The statement indicated that the EFCC operatives acted without prior notice and were searching for documents “allegedly related to Chapter 9 of the Salami Report.”
Malami’s media office characterized the situation as “deeply alarming,” expressing concerns that the timing of the raids suggests intimidation, retaliation, and potential threats to the safety of both Malami and his staff.
It was noted that the actions followed a public demand for the EFCC chairman’s recusal due to perceived bias linked to Chapter 9, which the office claimed jeopardizes personal safety and the rule of law.
“We hereby alert Nigerians and the international community that any harm to our personnel or to Abubakar Malami, SAN, will be directly linked to this pattern of behavior,” the statement cautioned.
It urged Nigerians and the media to investigate the circumstances surrounding the raids, questioning why they occurred immediately after the public reference to Chapter 9, what legal authority justified the searches focused on that section, and why force and secrecy were allegedly used instead of following due process.
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The statement also raised concerns about why Chapter 9 of the Salami Report has remained contentious years after its submission.
Malami’s office called on civil society organizations, professional groups, and human rights advocates to pressure the federal government, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the office of the attorney general of the federation to publicly release the complete Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report, particularly Chapter 9.
According to the statement, making the report public would enhance transparency, accountability, and restore public trust in the justice system.
Reiterating Malami’s position, the office affirmed that the former attorney-general of the federation is ready to submit to a fair and lawful process in a competent court.
“Intimidation, raids, and media trials cannot replace due process,” the statement concluded.
