Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday sealed several properties belonging to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in Abuja, sparking a heated confrontation.
The residences, located in the upscale Maitama district, were marked early in the day by EFCC officials. The action drew immediate resistance from Malami, who questioned the legality of the operation and demanded proof of a valid court order authorising the move.
During the standoff, Malami argued that any interim forfeiture order previously issued had already expired, insisting that the commission had no legal basis to enforce the markings. He accused the EFCC of attempting to harass and embarrass him despite the matter still being before the court.
In response, EFCC officials maintained that their actions were lawful, stating that the properties were under forfeiture and that they had the authority to carry out the enforcement. The buildings were subsequently marked with notices indicating restriction and warning the public to keep off.
Speaking later in a media interview, Malami described the operation as intimidating, alleging that armed EFCC personnel also visited other properties and business premises linked to him, as well as harassed members of his family.
He further disclosed that he had already challenged the interim forfeiture order in court, noting that he had responded within the stipulated timeframe and filed an application to have the order set aside.
The development sets the stage for a legal showdown between the former minister and the anti-corruption agency over the validity and enforcement of the forfeiture order.
