Former Attorney-General Malami Confronts EFCC Over Abuja Property Raid
The former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has issued a forceful response following the invasion and marking of his properties in Abuja by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The incident occurred on Monday, March 23, 2026, just hours after a solidarity visit from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, sparking intense political scrutiny and public debate.
Malami Alleges Political Undertones and Demands Court Order
Malami, a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), publicly accused the anti-graft agency of attempting to embarrass him through what he described as a politically motivated operation. In a tense address to the press, he directly challenged the EFCC operatives, demanding to see the legal authorization for their actions. "Where’s the court order you have to mark my property? Are you trying to embarrass me or what?" Malami questioned, framing his recent detention and arraignment as having clear political undertones aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
EFCC Confirms Court Order Amid Ongoing Asset Probe
In response to Malami's allegations, sources within the EFCC confirmed to Leadership newspaper that the Commission had indeed obtained a valid court order as part of its ongoing investigation into the former minister's assets. The source explained that the property marking was a standard procedural step to notify the public and prevent interference with the assets under scrutiny. The investigation, which reportedly predates the current EFCC leadership under Chairman Olukoyede, focuses on multiple high-value properties linked to Malami across Abuja and Kano.
Extensive List of Properties Under Investigation
The EFCC's probe encompasses a wide array of properties associated with Malami, including:
- A duplex located on Amazon Street in the upscale Maitama district of Abuja
- Multiple branches of Meethaq Hotel in Jabi and Maitama
- 42 units of bungalows at Efab Estate
- Harmonia Hotels in Area 11, Garki
- Rayhaan University and its various campuses, including permanent and temporary sites
- Rayhaan Model Academy and primary/secondary schools
- Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory & Commercial complex with factory buildings, machines, and plants
- Al-Afiya Energy Tanker Garage and Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd structure
- Rayhaan Radio station
In Kano, additional properties under investigation include Zeennoor Hotel, Zeennoor Mosque, Rayhaan Hotel Kano, and Rayhaan Gym Kano, highlighting the nationwide scope of the asset probe.
Political Support and Ongoing Legal Challenges
The property marking incident follows significant political gestures toward Malami, including the recent visit from 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who showed support amid Malami's ongoing legal battles. The former Minister of Justice faces serious allegations of terrorism financing and fraud charges, though details of his meeting with Obi remain undisclosed, fueling public curiosity. Meanwhile, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede has defended the agency's professionalism, denying any political motivation behind the investigation and emphasizing that the Commission maintains impartiality regardless of political affiliations.
The unfolding situation continues to draw attention to Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts and the intersection of law enforcement with political dynamics, as both Malami and the EFCC present conflicting narratives about the legitimacy and motives behind the property investigation.
