Former Attorney General Abubakar Malami has spoken out against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, accusing the agency of politically motivated actions. The EFCC had raided his Abuja property on Monday, marking it following an interim forfeiture order granted by a court.
Malami questioned the legality of the action, demanding to see the court order authorising the marking of his house. He described the EFCC's raid as intimidating and unnecessary, stating that fully armed operatives had harassed his family members.
The raid coincided with visits from prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Malami suggested that these visits and the timing of the raid pointed to a clear direction of political motivation.
Court documents show that the court had granted an order on January 6, 2026, related to the future of Malami's properties. The former minister emphasized that he had complied with due process, responding to the court order and filing an application to have it set aside.
Malami's detention in custody for over 99 days has raised concerns about arbitrary detention and political intimidation.
Abubakar Malami's allegations of political intimidation by the EFCC are a stark reminder of the blurred lines between law enforcement and politics in Nigeria. The raid on his property, coinciding with high-profile visits, raises questions about the timing and motivations behind the action. The former minister's detention for over 99 days, exceeding the constitutionally allowed 48 hours, is a clear case of arbitrary detention. The implications of this are far-reaching, affecting not just Malami but also the broader Nigerian public, who demand accountability and respect for the rule of law.
