Malami Accuses EFCC Of Illegal Raid
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of carrying out unlawful operations following a raid on his residential and business premises.
The allegation was contained in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, who claimed that EFCC officials, accompanied by heavily armed security personnel, forcefully entered and took control of properties linked to the former minister without presenting any valid or subsisting court order authorising such action.
According to the statement, two individuals were taken into custody during the operation, which Doka described as forceful.
The development, he said, occurred shortly after a solidarity visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to Malami’s residence, a sequence he argued raises “serious concerns about the intent, timing, and political undertones of the operation.”
Doka further noted that the legal dispute between Malami and the EFCC remains before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, under Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026.
He stated that the court has yet to make any final determination on the matter and that no order authorising the invasion or marking of the properties was sought or granted.
“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,” the statement read.
He also argued that the interim forfeiture order previously obtained by the EFCC had already lapsed.
“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.
The statement added that EFCC operatives were asked at the scene to produce a lawful court order authorising their actions but allegedly failed to do so.
“They failed, refused, and/or neglected to present any such order, underscoring the illegality of their conduct,” he said.
Despite the objections raised, the EFCC operatives allegedly proceeded to occupy, mark, and assert control over the properties, an action the former minister’s office described as a violation of due process and established legal procedures.
“The Office of Abubakar Malami, SAN, unequivocally condemns these actions,” the statement read, describing the operation as “a flagrant disregard for the rule of law, a gross abuse of power, and a dangerous precedent in a constitutional democracy.”
It further alleged that the move was a calculated attempt to “harass, intimidate, and embarrass” Malami, linking it to his political affiliations.
While reaffirming Malami’s stated support for accountability and anti-corruption efforts, the statement stressed that such processes must be conducted within the bounds of the law.
“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,” Doka said.
He added that the former minister would continue to cooperate with lawful judicial processes while defending his rights through appropriate legal channels.
The statement also called on Nigerians and the international community to take note of the development and its potential implications for the rule of law, justice, and democratic governance in the country.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not publicly responded to the allegations. The matter remains subject to ongoing judicial proceedings, and claims made by the parties are yet to be determined by the court.
Abubakar Malami, EFCC, Nigeria Anti Corruption, Federal High Court Abuja, Rule Of Law Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, Political Developments Nigeria, Legal Dispute, Anti Corruption Agency, Nigerian Judiciary