The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has forcefully evicted former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami and his family from their residence in Maitama, Abuja, despite an ongoing forfeiture court case, according to multiple reports from Punch Nigeria. EFCC operatives, dressed in official jackets, took control of the property and blocked access, escalating the dispute over the handling of Malami’s assets.
Malami has accused the EFCC of unlawfully attempting to seize his home without a valid court order, describing the armed raid as an act of political intimidation, as detailed in his statements reported by Punch Nigeria. The former minister criticized the commission’s use of force and rejected the seizure, underscoring strained relations between political leaders and anti-corruption agencies.
The EFCC has marked Malami’s Abuja property for forfeiture as part of an ongoing investigation, as noted by both Premium Times Nigeria and Punch Nigeria. While the agency has not publicly specified the reasons for the takeover, the move appears linked to probing Malami’s activities during and after his tenure as Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
This development highlights growing tensions in Nigeria over property rights and legal procedures during anti-corruption operations, with Malami and his supporters warning of potential political motivations behind the EFCC’s actions. The case remains active in court, with further litigation expected to determine the legality of the eviction and property forfeiture.
Observers are watching closely for upcoming judicial rulings that will clarify the authority of anti-corruption agencies to seize assets amid ongoing investigations. The outcome could set significant precedents concerning the balance between government accountability and individual property rights in Nigeria.
Abubakar Malami
EFCC
Abuja
