The Office of Abubakar Malami, SAN, wishes to formally address the shocking and unlawful actions carried out today by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at properties associated with the former Attorney General of the Federation, inclusive of his residential and business premises.
Earlier today, EFCC officials, in the company of heavily armed security personnel, forcefully invaded and took over residences and offices linked to Malami, marking same without presenting any valid or subsisting court order authorizing such actions. Two people were taken to forceful custody in the course of the said invasion.
This incident occurred minutes after a solidarity visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to Malami’s residence, a development that raises serious concerns about the intent, timing, and political undertones of the operation.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Office wishes to state as follows:
The matter is still pending before the court.
The case instituted by the EFCC at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026), remains ongoing. The Honourable Court has not made any final determination on the issues in dispute, and no order authorizing the invasion and marking of the premises was argued and granted.
- The interim forfeiture order relied upon by the EFCC has elapsed.
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. - No valid court order was presented.
At the time of the invasion, EFCC operatives were requested to produce a lawful court order authorising their actions. They failed, refused, and/or neglected to present any such order, underscoring the illegality of their conduct. - Forceful takeover and marking of properties.
The EFCC proceeded, in a show of force, to unlawfully occupy, mark, and assert control over Malami’s houses and offices, in clear violation of due process and established legal procedures.
The Office of Abubakar Malami, SAN, unequivocally condemns these actions and states that:
This is nothing short of a flagrant disregard for the rule of law, a gross abuse of power, and a dangerous precedent in a constitutional democracy. It represents a calculated attempt to harass, intimidate, and embarrass Malami, evidently on account of his political affiliations.
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.
We wish to reiterate that Malami will continue to fully cooperate with lawful judicial processes and will defend his rights and reputation through appropriate legal channels.
The Office also calls on well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to take note of this troubling development and its implications for the rule of law, justice, and democratic governance in Nigeria.
Signed
Office of Abubakar Malami, SAN
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
Federal Republic of Nigeria
