News

‘Abuse Of Power’ – Malami Accuses EFCC Of Taking Over Properties Without Court Order

ByOlamilekan Adigun

PublishedMarch 23, 2026

Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has slammed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the anti-graft agency of taking over his residences and offices without presenting a court order.

The African Democratic Congress chieftain in a statement signed by his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, alleged that EFCC operatives, in the company of armed security personnel, on Monday morning “forcefully invaded and took over residences and offices” linked to him.

The former AGF said two people were taken into “forceful custody” by officials of the anti-graft agency during the “invasion”.

According to Malami, the interim forfeiture order relied upon by the EFCC had expired, adding that the order “granted on January 6, 2026, was expressly time-bound for a period of 14 days”.

He added that the EFCC operatives did not present a “lawful court order authorising their actions” when they were challenged.

“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 statement reads.

“The Honourable Court has not made any final determination on the issues in dispute, and no order authorising 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.

•Peter Obi Condemns El-Rufai, Malami’s Detention as Political Persecution

“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.”

It would be recalled that a federal high court in Abuja in January, ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly linked to Malami and two of his sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru Rahman Malami.

However, the former AGF in February, filed an application challenging the interim forfeiture of the properties linked to him.

Olamilekan Adigun

Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.