Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday moved to seal a residence belonging to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in Abuja, citing enforcement of a court-approved forfeiture order. The former minister, however, has condemned the action, describing it as politically motivated.
The operation was carried out at Malami’s residence in the upscale Maitama area, where heavily armed EFCC personnel reportedly arrived in multiple vehicles, cordoned off nearby roads, and restricted access to the property as they assumed control.
Eyewitnesses said the officers effectively secured the building located on Koranakh Close, preventing movement in and out of the premises. Members of Malami’s household disclosed that he was present during the operation but later left without any confrontation.
The action follows earlier moves by the EFCC to designate several properties allegedly linked to Malami for forfeiture after obtaining an interim order from a Federal High Court in Abuja. According to the agency, such enforcement steps are part of standard legal procedures once a court grants temporary forfeiture approval.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, had previously explained that marking or sealing properties under investigation serves as public notice and prevents any form of transaction until the court reaches a final decision.
Malami has, however, challenged the legality of the operation. Reacting after the incident, he questioned whether due process was followed and maintained that he had already filed motions in court to contest the forfeiture order.
He further alleged that the timing of the enforcement was suspicious and intended to intimidate and embarrass him, particularly as it coincided with notable visits to his residence.
A source within his household also claimed that EFCC operatives failed to present a valid court order during the takeover, an assertion that contrasts with the agency’s insistence that its actions were backed by judicial authorization.
The controversy stems from a wider investigation into alleged illicit assets connected to the former AGF. In January 2026, a Federal High Court ordered the interim forfeiture of about 57 properties reportedly linked to Malami and his associates, directing them to justify why the assets should not be permanently seized by the government.
Malami has since contested the ruling, setting the stage for a prolonged legal battle over the ownership of the assets. He is also facing separate legal proceedings involving alleged money laundering worth billions of naira, further intensifying scrutiny over his time in public office.
