Abubakar Malami has raised fresh concerns over what he describes as a renewed move by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take possession of his residence in Maitama, Abuja.
According to reports by Channels Television, operatives of the anti-graft agency arrived at Malami’s home early Tuesday morning to enforce a court-ordered forfeiture and assume control of the property. The development follows recent actions by security agencies targeting several assets linked to the former minister across the Federal Capital Territory.
During earlier operations, EFCC officials reportedly visited multiple locations, including private residences and office spaces associated with Malami, marking them for seizure. Eyewitness accounts and video footage from those raids captured tense exchanges, with Malami confronting operatives and demanding to see valid court orders and proper authorization. He questioned the legality of the process, insisting that due process must be followed.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has maintained that its actions are lawful and backed by judicial authority. Sources within the Commission stated that the operation is being carried out in compliance with a valid court-issued forfeiture order, in line with Section 5 of the EFCC Act, which empowers the agency to investigate financial crimes and recover assets suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.
Speaking on Monday after the initial raid, Malami acknowledged the existence of a court order dated January 6, 2026, authorizing the interim forfeiture of his properties. However, he argued that the order granted him 14 days to respond, which he says he has already done.
He described the conduct of the operatives as intimidating, alleging that heavily armed personnel harassed members of his household under the pretext of serving invitation letters. According to him, multiple properties and business premises linked to him were also targeted on March 23, 2026.
Malami further stated that he has challenged the forfeiture order in court and filed an application seeking to have it set aside. He also alleged that the EFCC’s actions are politically motivated.
No comments: