Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of unlawful actions following the agency’s raid on his residential and business premises.
In a statement, his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, said EFCC officials, in the company of heavily armed security personnel, forcefully invaded and took over residences and offices linked to Malami, marking the same without presenting any valid or subsisting court order authorising such actions. He said two people were taken into forceful custody in the course of the said invasion.
Doka stated that the incident occurred minutes after a solidarity visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to Malami’s residence, “a development that raises serious concerns about the intent, timing, and political undertones of the operation.”
He reminded the public that the case instituted against Malami by the EFCC at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026), remains ongoing.
“The Honourable Court has not made any final determination on the issues in dispute, and no order authorising the invasion and marking of the premises was argued and granted,” he said.
He pointed out that the interim forfeiture order relied upon by the EFCC has elapsed.
“The ex parte order granted on January 6, 2026, was expressly time-bound for a period of 14 days, which had already elapsed. That order has since lapsed and cannot, under any stretch of the law, justify the EFCC’s actions today,” Doka said.
Malami’s aide said that at the time of the invasion, EFCC operatives were requested to produce a lawful court order authorising their actions. ‘They failed, refused, and/or neglected to present any such order, underscoring the illegality of their conduct,” he said.
He said the EFCC proceeded, in a show of force, to unlawfully occupy, mark, and assert control over Malami’s houses and offices, in clear violation of due process and established legal procedures.
“The Office of Abubakar Malami, SAN, unequivocally condemns these actions and states that: This is nothing short of a flagrant disregard for the rule of law, a gross abuse of power, and a dangerous precedent in a constitutional democracy. It represents a calculated attempt to harass, intimidate, and embarrass Malami, evidently on account of his political affiliations.
“While Malami remains a firm believer in accountability and the fight against corruption, such efforts must be conducted strictly within the ambit of the law and not through executive lawlessness or institutional overreach.
“We wish to reiterate that Malami will continue to fully cooperate with lawful judicial processes and will defend his rights and reputation through appropriate legal channels.
“The Office also calls on well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to take note of this troubling development and its implications for the rule of law, justice, and democratic governance in Nigeria,” he said.
