Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of forcefully removing him and his family from their Abuja residence, despite an ongoing court case over the property.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Malami said EFCC operatives stormed his home on Monday and returned the next day with more armed personnel to take full control of the property.
According to him, the officials carried out the eviction without obtaining a proper court order.
“They came without seeking any order to seal the property or evict us. There was no courtEFCC removes Malami and family from Abuja residence”EFCC removes Malami and family from Abuja residence”malammmapproval for what they did,” he said.
He explained that the house, located in Maitama, is his family residence and that the issue stems from an interim forfeiture order granted in January. However, he insisted that the order did not authorise the commission to evict occupants or immediately take over the property.
Malami said he had already challenged the forfeiture in court, with the case still pending and adjourned until April 20, 2026.
He argued that since the matter is before the court, the EFCC should have waited for the legal process to run its course instead of taking action on its own.
“It is not right for any party to take steps that make the court process meaningless,” he said.
The former minister also criticised the way the operation was carried out, saying enforcement of court orders should be handled by court officials, not by one of the parties involved in the case.
He described the eviction as unlawful and outside normal legal procedures, adding that what happened was unusual in Nigeria’s justice system.
Malami further suggested that the move might be politically motivated, noting that it happened shortly after his release from detention and at a time when he had been receiving visits and support from political associates.
While he stopped short of calling it outright persecution, he said the timing raises questions.
He said he would challenge the EFCC’s action in court.
“We will follow the legal process and do what is necessary,” he added.
Attempts to reach his lawyer, J.B. Daudu, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, witnesses said EFCC operatives arrived at the residence in several vehicles, heavily armed, and blocked access to the area while carrying out the operation.
