By Joy Yesufu
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday moved to take possession of a residence belonging to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in the Maitama district of Abuja.
Eyewitnesses said the operatives, reportedly led by Folarin Sunday Dare, arrived in multiple vehicles and cordoned off the area, restricting access to the property located on Koranakh Close.
A member of Malami’s household, Shehu Koko, who spoke with journalists at the scene, alleged that the operatives did not present a court order authorising the takeover. He, however, said the former minister did not resist the action.
“They said they were acting on instructions to take over the property. Although no court order was shown, he chose to cooperate and avoid any confrontation,” Koko said.
Attempts by journalists to gain access to the premises were unsuccessful as security operatives maintained a tight perimeter around the residence.
The development comes amid ongoing legal proceedings involving Malami.
In January, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted an interim forfeiture order on 57 properties allegedly linked to the former minister and his associates, believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The court directed the EFCC to publish the order and invite interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited.
Malami subsequently filed an application in February challenging the forfeiture order.
In a separate case, the EFCC had earlier arraigned Malami, alongside his wife and son, over alleged money laundering involving ₦8.7 billion. The matter remains before the court.
Malami, served as Attorney-General under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
