Malami Denounces EFCC Raid as Unlawful and Politically Motivated
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has strongly criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what he describes as an unlawful and forceful raid on his residential and business premises. In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami accused the EFCC of acting without a valid or subsisting court order, marking a severe breach of legal protocols.
Details of the Raid and Allegations of Abuse
According to Doka, EFCC officials, accompanied by heavily armed security personnel, invaded and took over properties linked to Malami. The raid occurred shortly after a solidarity visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to Malami's residence, a timing that Doka said raises serious concerns about the political undertones of the operation. During the invasion, two individuals were reportedly taken into forceful custody, further escalating the situation.
Doka emphasized that the case against Malami at the Federal High Court in Abuja, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026), is still ongoing, with no final determination made. He pointed out that the interim forfeiture order relied upon by the EFCC had already elapsed, as it was granted on January 6, 2026, for a period of 14 days and was no longer valid at the time of the raid.
Legal Violations and Calls for Accountability
During the incident, EFCC operatives were requested to produce a lawful court order authorizing their actions but failed to do so, according to Doka. He stated that this failure underscores the illegality of their conduct, as they proceeded to occupy, mark, and assert control over Malami's properties in a show of force. Malami's office condemned these actions as a flagrant disregard for the rule of law, a gross abuse of power, and a dangerous precedent in Nigeria's constitutional democracy.
The statement also highlighted that the raid appears to be a calculated attempt to harass, intimidate, and embarrass Malami due to his political affiliations. While Malami remains committed to accountability and the fight against corruption, his office insists that such efforts must be conducted strictly within the bounds of the law, avoiding executive lawlessness or institutional overreach.
Malami's Response and Broader Implications
Malami has vowed to fully cooperate with lawful judicial processes and defend his rights and reputation through appropriate legal channels. His office called on well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to take note of this troubling development, warning of its implications for the rule of law, justice, and democratic governance in Nigeria. The incident has sparked debates about the balance between anti-corruption efforts and respect for legal procedures in the country.
