Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have conducted raids on the offices and residences of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in Abuja and Kebbi State. The raids, confirmed by Malami’s media aide, have sparked controversy.
According to the aide, the EFCC’s actions followed a public reference by Malami’s office to Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report. This chapter reportedly addresses findings related to senior government officials, including Malami, during his tenure as supervising minister of the EFCC.
Malami’s camp has accused EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede of bias and called for his recusal from any investigations involving the former Attorney-General. They raised concerns over the timing and nature of the raids, questioning their legality and intent, and suggesting that they are retaliatory in nature.
The Justice Ayo Salami Commission was established in 2021 to probe allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the EFCC, particularly during the previous administration. Its report, which has not been fully published, contains potentially damaging findings that have become a focal point of the current dispute.
Malami’s spokesperson described the raids as “deeply alarming,” warning that they compromise the safety of Malami and his staff. The statement urged transparency by calling for the full release of the Judicial Commission’s report, believing it would foster accountability in ongoing anti-corruption efforts.
Malami has expressed his willingness to cooperate with lawful proceedings but emphasized that media trials and raids cannot replace due legal processes. As of now, the EFCC has not provided any public response regarding the raids or the allegations made against them.
