EFCC takes over Malami’s residence where Buhari’s daughter lives

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sealed off the Abuja residence of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, where Nana Hadiza Buhari, daughter of late former President Muhammadu Buhari and Malami’s third wife, is reported to be residing.

Efforts made by The Star to get an official reaction proved abortive. An official approached by Our Correspondent decline to provide details, citing that operatives of the anti-graft agency cordoned off the property on Wednesday in what sources say marks an escalation in the high-profile investigation into Malami’s conduct while in public office.

The move comes as Malami remains in EFCC custody after allegedly failing to meet bail conditions in relation to a sprawling probe that includes alleged corruption, money laundering, terrorism financing and issues connected with recovered Abacha loot.

Though the EFCC has not publicly commented on the specifics of the operation, sources revealed that several enforcement vehicles and armed officers were deployed to the compound linked to the former minister.

Malami, who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer from 2015 to 2023, has been at the centre of national debate over the scope of the EFCC’s investigations and its handling of politically connected individuals.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Malami’s legal team nor representatives of the Buhari family had released official statements regarding the sealing of the residence.

EFCC spokespeople also declined to provide details, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation.

The development adds to a series of high-profile actions by the anti-graft agency this year, which has drawn both support and criticism from various segments of the public.