Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of political intimidation following a raid on his properties in Abuja.
The development has sparked fresh debate over the conduct of anti-corruption agencies and the growing tension between politics and law enforcement in Nigeria.
EFCC operatives on Monday marked a property in Abuja said to be linked to Malami. The action followed an interim forfeiture order granted by a court, according to the commission.
However, the operation quickly drew public attention after a video surfaced online showing Malami confronting the operatives. In the video, he questioned the legality of their actions and demanded to see the court order authorising the move.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the incident, Malami described the raid as intimidating and unnecessary.
“There were personnel that were fully kitted, fully armed, and very intimidating, harassing my immediate family members under the pretext that they came to serve letters of invitation,” he said.
He added that the EFCC officials did not only visit the house where he was present but also went to other properties and business locations linked to him.
“So, letters were eventually served, not only at the house where they found me, but also at my other multiple houses and business premises,” he explained.
Malami acknowledged that there was a court order relating to his properties but raised concerns about how it was carried out.
According to him, the court had earlier granted an order on January 6, 2026, allowing authorities to take certain steps regarding the properties. However, he said he was given 14 days to respond, which he claims he has already done.
“To my knowledge, there was indeed a court order for the entry into my properties, but my person was given 14 days within which to respond. We have responded, joined issues before the court, and filed an application to have the order set aside,” he said.
The disagreement appears to centre on whether the EFCC acted within the limits of the court order or went beyond what was permitted.
The EFCC, on its part, maintained that its actions were based on a valid interim forfeiture order. Interim forfeiture orders are legal tools used by courts to temporarily seize or restrict access to assets suspected to be linked to unlawful activities while investigations continue.
Malami went further to suggest that the EFCC’s actions were politically motivated. He linked the raid to recent political developments and visits by prominent figures.
“The insinuations associated with this unfolding drama honestly point to a clear direction of political motivation,” he said.
He also referred to his previous detention, which he claimed lasted over 99 days, far longer than the constitutionally allowed period for suspects awaiting trial.
“A lot of people have come to show solidarity, arising from the view that the undertones of my detention in custody for over 99 days—contrary to the constitutionally tolerated 48 hours—were arbitrary and point to political intimidation,” he added.
According to him, the timing of the EFCC’s action raised further questions. He noted that the raid took place shortly after visits from key political figures, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
“Among the people who paid a courtesy and solidarity visit to my house were notable personalities, and shortly thereafter, the EFCC invaded my premises. This points to a possible calculation that the actions were politically motivated,” Malami said.
Despite the situation, Malami insisted that he would not abandon his political ambitions. He made it clear that he intends to exercise his constitutional rights, including contesting for public office.
“The right to vote and be voted for is constitutional. I am a Nigerian, equally entitled to the enjoyment of those privileges,” he said.
“The idea of reconsidering my ambition associated with governorship is not on the table. It’s constitutional, and I will certainly exercise my constitutional right over it.”
His statement has added a political dimension to the issue, as observers link the ongoing legal actions to possible future elections and power struggles.
Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. During his time in office, he played a key role in shaping the country’s legal and anti-corruption policies.
Since leaving office, he has remained an influential political figure, particularly in the North-West region. His reported interest in contesting for a governorship position has kept him in the political spotlight.
The EFCC, on the other hand, is one of Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption agencies. Established to investigate financial crimes such as money laundering, fraud, and abuse of office, the commission has handled several high-profile cases involving politicians and public officials.
However, the agency has often faced criticism from some quarters, with allegations that its actions are sometimes influenced by political considerations. The EFCC has repeatedly denied such claims, insisting that it operates within the law and based on evidence.
The raid on Malami’s residence has triggered mixed reactions from the public. While some Nigerians believe the EFCC is simply carrying out its duties, others see the development as part of a broader pattern of political pressure.
The situation also highlights ongoing concerns about the balance between fighting corruption and protecting individual rights. While many Nigerians support strong action against corruption, there is also a growing demand for transparency and fairness in how such actions are carried out.
As the dispute continues, attention will shift to the courts, where Malami has already filed applications to challenge the forfeiture order.