EFCC Seals Malami’s Abuja Home Amid Forfeiture Legal Battle
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, moved to take over the Maitama residence of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN. Dressed in their signature jackets and heavily armed, the personnel arrived at the property in approximately five buses. The team, reportedly led by Folarin Dare, barricaded the access road to the residence located at No. 2 Koranakh Close, off Amazon Street, effectively sealing off the area.
This operation follows a series of raids on several of the former minister’s assets across the Federal Capital Territory. Malami has raised an alarm over these developments, characterizing the EFCC’s actions as an unlawful takeover. He alleged that the operatives arrived early Tuesday morning to enforce a forfeiture order and assume control of the property, despite his legal team’s insistence that no valid court order justifies the current enforcement.
The former AGF has publicly challenged the legality of the move, arguing that the interim forfeiture order the EFCC is relying on has already lapsed. According to a statement from his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, the order granted by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on January 6, 2026, was time-bound for 14 days and has since expired. Malami maintained, “That order has since lapsed and cannot, under any stretch of the law, justify the EFCC’s actions today.”
The EFCC’s actions are part of a broader investigation into alleged financial improprieties, including a 16-count money laundering charge involving N8.7 billion. In January, the Federal High Court had ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to Malami and two of his sons, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity. While the EFCC contends the properties are under active forfeiture, Malami’s defense argues that the proceedings should not continue without a fresh, valid court directive.
The standoff at the Maitama residence occurred just a day after a “solidarity visit” from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, a timing Malami suggests carries heavy political undertones. During the Tuesday operation, the former minister reportedly confronted the officials, demanding to see proper authorization. Sources indicate that after several hours of engagement, Malami left the premises, reportedly stating that the authorities should “take over” while he pursues the matter in court.
Despite the heavy security presence and the sealing of his home, Malami’s associates describe him as being in a “good state of mind” and determined to fight the charges. The EFCC has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the specific status of the Tuesday operation. As the legal battle over the 57 properties continues, Malami insists the investigation is a “political persecution” and a flagrant disregard for the rule of law.
