EFCC raid on Malami’s properties sparks outrage, allegations of lawlessness

Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has condemned what his office described as an “unlawful and shocking” invasion of his properties by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami said EFCC officials, accompanied by heavily armed personnel, forcefully entered and took control of his residential and business premises without presenting any valid court order. During the operation, two individuals were reportedly taken into custody.

The raid occurred shortly after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar paid a solidarity visit to Malami’s residence—an event Malami’s office says raises questions about the timing and intent of the EFCC’s action.

The statement outlined several key concerns:

1. Court case still pending:
Malami’s office noted that the matter remains before the Federal High Court in Abuja (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026), presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. No final decision has been reached, nor was any order granted authorising a takeover or marking of the properties.

2. Interim forfeiture order expired:
The EFCC’s reliance on an ex parte order issued on January 6, 2026, was described as misleading, as the 14-day order had long expired and could not justify Monday’s operation.

3. No court order presented:
According to the statement, EFCC operatives were asked to produce a lawful court directive but “failed, refused, and neglected” to present any document validating their actions.

4. Unlawful occupation and marking of assets:
The Commission allegedly proceeded to seal and take control of the properties in a show of force that Malami’s office said violated due process.

Malami described the EFCC’s conduct as a “gross abuse of power” and “a dangerous assault on the rule of law,” accusing the agency of harassment motivated by political considerations.

While affirming his commitment to accountability and the fight against corruption, Malami insisted such actions must adhere strictly to legal procedures and not “executive lawlessness or institutional overreach.”

He pledged full cooperation with legitimate judicial processes and urged Nigerians and the international community to note what he called a troubling precedent with implications for justice and democratic governance.

The EFCC has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.