Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over what he described as an “extrajudicial, unlawful and illegitimate” attempt to take over his Abuja residence despite an ongoing court process.
The EFCC had earlier marked the Maitama property to enforce an interim forfeiture order, with its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stating that the move was a routine step to notify the public of the property’s status.
However, speaking with journalists at his chambers in Wuse 2 on Tuesday, Malami argued that the commission acted beyond its powers by attempting to take possession of the house while legal proceedings were still pending before the Federal High Court.
He explained that although an interim forfeiture order was granted on January 6, 2026, it did not authorise immediate takeover or eviction.
“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.
READ ALSO:
- Malami Slams EFCC Over ‘Unlawful’ Takeover Of Abuja Residence Amid Court Case
- Obi Cubana Says Political Engagement Driven By Civic Interest, Not Personal Gain
- EFCC Move To Seal Ex-AGF Malami’s Abuja Residence
- AMVCA Set To Unveil 2026 Nominees On Sunday
- Middle East Crisis May Force Work-From-Home In Nigeria — Dangote Warns
Malami disclosed that he had already approached the court to challenge the forfeiture order, with the case scheduled for hearing on April 20, 2026. He maintained that the anti-graft agency should not have taken further steps while the matter remained before the court.
“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,” he said, accusing the commission of attempting to remove him and his family without due process.
He further alleged that EFCC operatives returned to the residence with more armed personnel after failing to complete the operation earlier.
“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,” 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,” he added.
Malami also stressed that enforcing court orders is the responsibility of court bailiffs, not parties involved in a case.
“Executions of the court orders and processes are exclusive functions of the court bailiffs… and are not in any way… the prerogatives of a party to the litigation,” he stated.
“My take is what is unfolding on the part of EFCC is indeed steps that are extrajudicial, that are unprecedented, that are unlawful, that are illegitimate and that are now intended apparently to cause a situation of helplessness on the part of the court which had already fixed the hearing of the application relating to these properties to a certain date which is fixed for 20th day of April, 2026.”
The former AGF suggested that the timing of the action could raise questions about political motives, especially following his recent release from detention and visits from political allies.
“The fact that these things happen at a time when I was receiving tremendous goodwill messages, solidarity visits and courtesies, can certainly be a basis for people to insinuate… political persecutions,” he said.
Despite this, Malami refrained from making direct accusations, noting that the matter is already before the court and that he would pursue only lawful avenues. He also urged the media to report the situation objectively and called for due process to be followed.