EFCC vs Malami: Ex-AGF Cries Out Over ‘Unlawful’ Takeover Of Abuja Residence

The legal battle between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), took a dramatic dimension on Tuesday as the ex-minister condemned the anti-graft agency’s takeover of his Maitama residence.

Malami, who addressed newsmen at his chambers in Wuse 2, Abuja, described the move as “extrajudicial, unlawful, and illegitimate,” accusing the commission of overreaching its powers despite a pending court application.

The confrontation follows the EFCC’s enforcement of an interim forfeiture order on Malami’s property located at No. 2 Koronakh Close, off Amazon Street, Maitama, on Monday.

According to the former AGF, while the Federal High Court granted an interim forfeiture order on January 6, 2026, the ruling did not mandate the immediate eviction of his family or the physical seizure of the premises.

Malami argued that since he has already filed a motion to set aside the forfeiture order—with a hearing fixed for April 20, 2026—the EFCC’s actions undermine the judicial process.

“Conventionally and legally, no party is expected to overreach by taking unilateral steps that place the court in a helpless position. What EFCC is doing is apparently intended to undermine the court,” Malami stated.

The former Minister of Justice further alleged that EFCC operatives returned to the property on Tuesday with additional armed personnel to forcibly remove his family. He maintained that the execution of court orders remains the exclusive function of court officials, not the commission’s tactical units.

In a swift response, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale maintained that the commission’s presence at the property was a “routine step” to notify the public of the property’s legal status following the court-mandated interim forfeiture.

The commission has been investigating the former AGF over allegations of money laundering and public enrichment, leading to his brief detention earlier this year.

Malami subtly suggested that the timing of the enforcement—coming shortly after his release from detention and visits from high-profile political associates—could be politically motivated. However, he stopped short of naming individuals, insisting he would strictly pursue “judicial remedies.”

As of Tuesday evening, the property remains under the control of the anti-graft agency, pending the outcome of the April 20 showdown at the Federal High Court.