Former AGF Abubakar Malami Critiques EFCC’s Property Seizure Actions
Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has voiced strong objections to what he describes as the illegal and unilateral seizure of his properties by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He asserts that the anti-graft agency acted without a valid court order, undermining the judiciary’s authority in an ongoing case in which it is also involved.
Last year, Malami and several of his family members were arrested and subsequently charged with money laundering and illegal possession of firearms. All accused individuals have pleaded not guilty to the charges and have been granted bail as they prepare to contest the allegations.
In a recent development, the EFCC reportedly invaded Malami’s residence on Coronak Crescent in Maitama, Abuja, evicting his family and sealing off the property. This action is believed to stem from a temporary confiscation order issued concerning Malami’s assets.
Justice Joyce Abdulalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja previously ordered the temporary forfeiture of 57 properties linked to Malami, asserting that they were acquired through illicit means. However, this order, according to the former minister, did not grant the EFCC clear authority to evict him and his family or to requisition the premises.
Reacting to the invasion, Malami expressed his condemnation of the government’s approach, labeling it an unprecedented occurrence in Nigeria’s legal history. He noted that his legal counsel had filed an application to challenge the validity of the forfeiture order. A hearing for this application is scheduled for April 20, 2026.
Malami emphasized the importance of judicial procedure, stating that a party involved in litigation should not take unilateral steps that could diminish the court’s authority. He criticized the EFCC for conducting the eviction without seeking additional court orders and for using armed personnel to forcefully remove his family from their home.
Under traditional judicial practice, Malami argued, such actions are outside the bounds of legality. He asserted that the execution of court orders should be handled exclusively by court-appointed officials and that reliance on interim confiscation orders to compel litigants to vacate is a departure from established norms.
Malami concluded by reinforcing that the forced eviction and takeover of his properties represent a significant breach of legal tradition and procedure in Nigeria, raising concerns about the integrity of the legal system.
