Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has described the recent action by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on his properties as intimidating and politically motivated.
Operatives of the anti-graft agency on Monday marked an Abuja property linked to Malami following an interim forfeiture order granted by a court. A video that circulated online showed the former minister questioning the legality of the operation and requesting to see the court order authorising the action.
Speaking with reporters, Malami said the presence of heavily armed personnel during the visit created fear and distress among his family members, adding that officials claimed they were serving letters of invitation.
“There were personnel that were fully kitted, fully armed, and very intimidating, harassing my immediate family members under the pretext that they came to serve letters of invitation,” he said, noting that similar letters were also delivered to other residences and business premises linked to him.
Malami acknowledged that a court order dated January 6, 2026, authorised entry into his properties but said he had already responded within the 14-day window provided by the court and filed an application challenging the order.
He alleged that the timing and nature of the enforcement actions suggested political undertones, especially as they coincided with visits by prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to his residence.
According to Malami, he was previously held in custody for over 99 days, which he described as inconsistent with constitutional provisions, and said the latest developments further reinforced concerns about political intimidation.
Despite the situation, the former minister said he remained committed to pursuing his political ambition, insisting that his constitutional right to vote and be voted for would not be compromised.
However, the EFCC maintained that its actions followed due legal process. The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the marking of the property was a routine law enforcement procedure intended to notify the public of its status after the court granted an interim forfeiture order.
