Malami Accuses EFCC of Illegally Sealing Abuja Residence

Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of acting outside its legal powers by sealing his residence in Abuja.

Speaking on Tuesday after EFCC operatives took over his Maitama home, Malami argued that the agency lacks the authority to enforce court orders or carry out evictions, describing the action as a violation of judicial processes.

He maintained that the execution of court orders is strictly the responsibility of court officials such as bailiffs and sheriffs, not parties involved in litigation.

Malami and the EFCC are currently embroiled in a legal dispute before a Federal High Court over an interim forfeiture order granted on January 6, 2026. In response, Malami, through his lawyer, Joseph Daudu, has filed a motion challenging the order, alleging that it was obtained through misrepresentation and concealment of key facts.

He further urged the court to dismiss the suit to avoid conflicting judgments and duplicative proceedings, insisting that the case infringes on his fundamental rights, including his right to property, presumption of innocence, and family life.

The court has scheduled April 20 for the hearing of the application.

Condemning the EFCC’s actions, Malami said the agency forcefully took over his residence without obtaining a specific court order for eviction or sealing of the property.

He described the move as “extrajudicial,” “unlawful,” and unprecedented within Nigeria’s legal framework, stressing that even where such orders exist, their enforcement remains the duty of judicial authorities—not litigants.

Malami also alleged that EFCC operatives initially attempted to take over the property on Monday but returned the following day with armed reinforcement to carry out the action.

He suggested that the timing of the development raises concerns about possible political motives.

The former AGF is currently facing two separate criminal charges filed by the EFCC and the Department of State Services (DSS).