EFCC Seals Ex-AGF Malami’s Properties in Abuja, Triggers Confrontation

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday stormed and sealed multiple residences belonging to a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), in the Maitama district of Abuja, leading to a heated confrontation between the anti-graft agency and the ex-minister.

The properties were marked early Monday morning by plain-clothed EFCC officials. Malami openly challenged the operation, accusing the commission of acting without a valid subsisting court order.

In a tense exchange, the former AGF questioned the legal backing for the enforcement, insisting that any interim forfeiture order previously granted by the court had already elapsed.

“Show me where they said you should come and take over my property… when the matter is pending in court, can you operate extraordinarily? Is it under forfeiture when the order has elapsed? Order granted for 14 days has elapsed and you’re coming to embarrass me,” Malami said.

He further argued that the matter was still before the court and that the EFCC had no directive to mark the properties.

Despite his objections, an EFCC operative maintained that the agency was acting within the law. “We have the right to mark property once the property is under forfeiture. This is the order; I gave you the order, sir,” the official responded.

Shortly after, one of the buildings was boldly inscribed with: “Restrained Order, EFCC, Keep Off.”

Speaking later on Channels Television, Malami described the operation as intimidating and unlawful, alleging that EFCC personnel also invaded other properties and business premises linked to him.

He stated that he had already taken legal steps to challenge the interim forfeiture order, adding that due process was being disregarded.

According to Malami, the initial order issued on January 6, 2026, gave him 14 days to respond, a deadline he said he had already met by filing an application to set aside the order.