Malami blasts EFCC over unlawful property seizure

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has strongly criticized what he described as an “extrajudicial, unlawful and illegitimate” attempt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take over his Abuja residence.

According to TheLeader, the EFCC visited Malami’s property on Monday to enforce an interim forfeiture order on his home at No. 2 Koronakh Close, off Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the anti-graft agency, Dele Oyewale, told our correspondent that the action was a routine law enforcement step aimed at notifying the public of the property’s status following the forfeiture order.

Speaking with journalists on Tuesday at his chambers in Wuse 2, Abuja, Malami alleged that the commission attempted to take possession of the residence even though criminal proceedings involving him were still ongoing before the Federal High Court.

He noted that while the court granted an interim forfeiture order on January 6, 2026, the ruling did not authorise immediate possession of the property or the eviction of occupants.

He said, “There was an attempt yesterday by the EFCC, which indeed was a co-litigant, in respect of pending criminal proceedings before the Federal High Court against my person. Arising from that criminal proceeding, there was an order dated the 6th day of January 2026, an interim order of forfeiture that was granted.

“But the most interesting part of that order, was that there were no clear directives or instructions… that the premises would be taken over forthwith or perhaps be sold, or perhaps evicting the occupants,” he said.

Malami disclosed that he had already filed an application at the Federal High Court seeking to set aside the forfeiture order, with the matter scheduled for hearing on April 20, 2026.

He maintained that the EFCC ought not to have taken enforcement actions while the matter was still before the court.

He said, “Conventionally and traditionally… it is only natural, logical, legal and judicial that no party is expected to overreach by way of taking unilateral steps that would place a court in a situation of helplessness,” accusing the commission of attempting to evict his family without due process.

He added, “Unfortunately, yesterday, without further recourse to the court, without seeking for an order to seal my properties, without seeking an order to evict my family members and me from the property, without seeking a court order for the appointment of a receiver manager, the EFCC came yesterday to effect forceful eviction.”

According to him, the commission returned to the residence on Tuesday with additional armed personnel.

He said, “They were unable to conclude the process yesterday and reinforced this morning with a lot of personnel that are armed and indeed forcefully took over possession of my family residence and the family members… taken out of possession,” the former AGF added.

Malami further argued that the execution of court orders is strictly the responsibility of court officials