EFCC forcefully evicted me despite pending court case, Malami cries out

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN)

Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation, , has accused operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of forcefully evicting him and his family from their Abuja residence, despite an ongoing legal challenge over the property.

Malami made the allegation on Tuesday while addressing journalists at a press conference, describing the action as unlawful and a violation of due process.

According to him, EFCC operatives initially stormed his residence on Monday but returned on Tuesday with heavily armed reinforcements to complete what he termed a “forceful takeover” of the property.

“Yesterday, without further recourse to the court, without seeking an order to seal my properties or evict my family members, the EFCC came to effect a forceful eviction.

“They were unable to conclude the process yesterday and reinforced this morning with a lot of armed personnel to take over possession of my family residence”, he said.

The former AGF identified the property as his family home located at No. 2, Koronakh Close, off Amazon Street in Maitama, Abuja.

Malami explained that the EFCC’s action followed an interim forfeiture order granted on January 6, 2026, but argued that the order did not authorise eviction or immediate takeover of the property.

“The most interesting part of the order was that there was no clear directive that the premises should be taken over forthwith, sold, or that occupants should be evicted,” he stated.

He disclosed that he had already challenged the forfeiture order before the Federal High Court, with the matter adjourned until April 20, 2026.

He argued that since the case was already before the court, the anti-graft agency ought to have refrained from taking unilateral enforcement actions.

“It is only logical and judicial that no party should overreach in a manner that renders the court process meaningless,” Malami said.

The former minister further faulted the EFCC for allegedly bypassing established legal procedures, insisting that enforcement of court orders rests solely with judicial officers.

“Execution of court orders is the exclusive responsibility of court bailiffs and sheriffs, not a party to the litigation,” he said.

Describing the incident as unprecedented, Malami maintained that the eviction and takeover were carried out outside the bounds of Nigerian law.

“What happened by way of forceful eviction of my family members and takeover of my property is legally and judicially unprecedented,” he added.

He also alleged that the EFCC neither obtained a specific eviction order nor involved court officials before carrying out the operation.

Malami hinted at possible political undertones behind the incident, noting that it occurred shortly after his release from detention and amid an outpouring of political support and goodwill.

“The timing raises questions and may give room for insinuations of political persecution,” he said, although he stopped short of directly describing the action as a vendetta, citing the pending nature of the case.

He, however, affirmed his intention to challenge the EFCC’s action through legal means.

“For me, the steps ahead are legal and judicial, and we will pursue them accordingly,” he said.

Meanwhile, sources said the EFCC operatives, reportedly led by Folarin Dare, arrived at the residence in about five buses, heavily armed and dressed in the agency’s signature red and black jackets, while barricading access roads leading to the property.