Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has raised fresh concerns over what he described as a renewed attempt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to take possession of his Maitama residence in Abuja.
Malami alleged that operatives of the anti-graft agency stormed his residence early Tuesday to enforce a forfeiture order and assume control of the property, marking the latest in a series of actions targeting his assets across the Federal Capital Territory.
The development follows earlier operations in which security personnel reportedly moved against multiple properties linked to the former minister, including private residences and office spaces.
Several of the properties were marked for seizure during those operations, drawing public attention and raising questions about the scale of the investigation.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage from the previous raids captured tense moments, including a confrontation between Malami and officials at one of the locations.
The former minister was seen demanding to see valid court orders and proper authorisation, insisting that due process must be followed.
However, the EFCC has maintained that its actions are lawful. Sources within the Commission stated that the operation is being carried out in compliance with a valid court-issued forfeiture order, in line with the provisions of 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 after the initial raid, Malami acknowledged the existence of a court order dated January 6, 2026, which granted interim forfeiture of his properties.
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He noted, however, that the order allowed him 14 days to respond, a condition he said he had already fulfilled by challenging the order in court.
Despite this, he criticised the manner of the operation, describing it as intimidating and distressing, particularly for his family members.
According to him, heavily armed operatives invaded multiple properties on March 23, 2026, under the pretext of delivering invitation letters, an approach he described as excessive and unjustified.
Malami further alleged that the actions of the EFCC were politically motivated. He pointed to the timing of the operation, which he said came shortly after a visit from former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, as suggestive of underlying political considerations.
He also referenced his previous detention, which he claimed lasted over 99 days without being charged to court, describing it as unconstitutional and indicative of a broader pattern of political intimidation.
Reaffirming his political ambitions, Malami stated that he remains committed to exercising his constitutional right to vote and be voted for, including his reported interest in pursuing a governorship position.
As the situation unfolds, the case continues to highlight tensions between anti-corruption enforcement and allegations of political interference, with legal proceedings expected to determine the legitimacy of the forfeiture actions.