Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have commenced enforcement proceedings on a residential property belonging to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), located in the Maitama district of Abuja.
The anti-graft agency marked the premises as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities, citing a court-issued interim forfeiture order.
The operation involved plain-clothed officials who placed restrictive markings on the building, effectively signaling restraint pending further legal processes.394e49The development occurred on Monday amid reports of a tense atmosphere, with Malami and his associates present at the scene.
The former minister reportedly challenged the operatives, questioning the validity and currency of any judicial authorization presented. His team has described the action as procedurally flawed, asserting that the relevant interim order had lapsed and that no fresh, subsisting court directive was exhibited during the exercise.
The timing of the operation has also drawn attention, as it followed shortly after a visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to the same residence.29ff9aThis latest episode forms part of a broader probe into assets associated with Malami and certain family members, with the EFCC having previously secured interim forfeiture orders for multiple properties across several states.
While the agency maintains the action aligns with its mandate to recover suspected proceeds of economic crimes, Malami’s side has vowed to pursue legal remedies to contest the measures. The situation remains subject to further judicial review as both parties engage the courts on the propriety of the enforcement steps.
