In a development that has stirred intense public curiosity and political speculation, security operatives believed to be personnel of the Nigeria Police Force have taken control of Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena, two high-profile properties in Kebbi State linked to the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN. The early-morning deployment, carried out with visible security presence and strict access restrictions, has raised questions across political, legal, and civic circles, particularly as authorities have yet to provide an official explanation for the action.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that police operatives arrived at the facilities in the early hours of Tuesday, swiftly positioning armed personnel at strategic entry and exit points. By mid-morning, access to the premises had reportedly been limited, with movements in and out of the hotel and the adjoining event arena closely monitored. For a state capital unaccustomed to such a conspicuous security operation around private commercial properties, the scene immediately drew attention and speculation.
Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena are well-known landmarks within Kebbi State, frequently hosting conferences, weddings, political gatherings, and high-level social events. Their association with Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer for eight years under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has further amplified interest in the unfolding situation. While neither property is officially labeled as a government asset, their prominence and perceived links to a former top federal official have ensured that the police action has not gone unnoticed.
Multiple residents who spoke anonymously described a calm but tense atmosphere around the facilities. According to them, police officers appeared professional and restrained, but their presence was unmistakably firm. “They didn’t harass anyone, but you could tell this was a serious operation,” one witness said. “People were being told to keep their distance, and there was no explanation given.”
A video that later surfaced on social media appeared to corroborate these accounts. In the footage, armed officers can be seen stationed around the perimeter of the hotel and arena, with patrol vehicles parked nearby. The video, which has since circulated widely across messaging platforms and social networks, has become a focal point for public debate, with commentators offering divergent interpretations of what the security operation might signify.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Abubakar Malami nor the Kebbi State Police Command had issued an official statement clarifying the purpose of the police takeover. Repeated attempts by journalists to reach police spokespersons and representatives of the former minister reportedly yielded no response. This silence has only deepened speculation, as Nigerians accustomed to politically charged security actions search for meaning in the absence of formal communication.
The lack of official information has fueled a wave of conjecture across political and legal communities. Some observers have urged caution, warning against drawing premature conclusions without verified facts. Others, however, see the development as part of a broader pattern of heightened scrutiny surrounding former public officials amid Nigeria’s ongoing discourse on accountability, asset ownership, and the rule of law.
Abubakar Malami is no stranger to controversy or public attention. During his tenure as Attorney General of the Federation, he was one of the most powerful figures in the Buhari administration, overseeing key legal decisions, high-profile prosecutions, and sensitive constitutional matters. Supporters often praised his legal acumen and loyalty to the administration, while critics accused him of politicizing the office and shielding powerful interests. These divergent perceptions have ensured that any development linked to his name inevitably attracts intense scrutiny.
Political analysts note that the optics of police officers taking over properties associated with a former AGF are particularly sensitive. The office Malami once held is constitutionally tasked with upholding the law, advising the federal government, and defending public interest. Any security action involving assets linked to such a former official, analysts argue, naturally raises questions about legality, due process, and motivation.
However, experts also caution that police presence does not automatically imply wrongdoing. Security deployments can be prompted by a wide range of factors, including intelligence assessments, civil disputes, court orders, or precautionary measures. Without an official statement, it remains impossible to determine whether the police action is investigatory, preventive, or administrative in nature.
Residents of Kebbi State, meanwhile, have been closely monitoring the situation. For many locals, Azbir Hotel and Arena are more than just properties linked to a former federal official; they are economic hubs that provide employment and support social activities. Any prolonged disruption to their operations could have ripple effects on workers, vendors, and event planners who rely on the facilities for their livelihoods.
“I just hope whatever is happening doesn’t affect innocent workers,” said a local trader who operates near the hotel. “People are worried because no one knows what is going on.”
The timing of the operation has also attracted attention. Nigeria is currently navigating a politically charged environment marked by economic reforms, anti-corruption rhetoric, and heightened public sensitivity to the actions of security agencies. In recent months, there has been increased public debate about whether law enforcement institutions are being used impartially or selectively in addressing alleged wrongdoing by political elites.
Some political observers argue that transparency is crucial in moments like this. They contend that the absence of timely communication from the police creates a vacuum that is quickly filled by rumors and misinformation, potentially undermining public trust. In an era where social media can amplify unverified claims within minutes, silence from authorities can be as consequential as official action.
Others see the situation as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to due process. If the police action is linked to a legal investigation, they argue, it must be grounded in clear legal authority, such as a court order or warrant, and conducted in a manner that respects constitutional rights. Conversely, if the operation is purely precautionary or administrative, authorities owe the public a basic explanation to prevent unnecessary anxiety and speculation.
Legal practitioners have also weighed in, emphasizing that property rights are constitutionally protected and that any restriction of access must follow established legal procedures. “In a constitutional democracy, the police do not just take over private property without legal backing,” one lawyer noted. “If there is a court order, it should be made known. If it is an investigation, there are protocols.”
At the same time, security experts point out that not all operational details can be disclosed immediately, especially if doing so could compromise an ongoing investigation. They argue that the police may be balancing the need for transparency with operational considerations, though they acknowledge that prolonged silence can be counterproductive.
The development has also reignited broader conversations about asset ownership and public accountability in Nigeria. Over the years, questions have frequently arisen about the business interests and asset portfolios of public officials, both while in office and after leaving government. While ownership of private enterprises is not inherently illegal, critics often call for greater transparency to dispel perceptions of conflict of interest or abuse of office.
In Malami’s case, supporters insist that any assets linked to him were acquired lawfully and that he, as a seasoned lawyer, understands the importance of due process. They caution against trial by public opinion and urge Nigerians to await official clarification before forming conclusions. “Speculation does not equal facts,” one supporter said. “We should let the law