Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has confirmed that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission forcefully evicted him and his family from their Abuja residence despite ongoing court proceedings over the property.
Malami said EFCC officials stormed the residence on Monday and returned on Tuesday with armed personnel to complete the takeover.
According to him, the action was carried out without a court order authorising eviction or sealing of the property.
He explained that although an interim forfeiture order was granted on January 6, 2026, it did not direct that the property be taken over immediately or that occupants be evicted.
The former minister noted that he had already challenged the forfeiture order at the Federal High Court, with the matter adjourned until April 20, 2026.
He argued that since the case was before the court, the EFCC should not have taken unilateral action.
Malami also faulted the commission for bypassing due process, stating that enforcement of court orders is the responsibility of court officials, not parties involved in litigation.
He described the eviction and takeover as unlawful and unprecedented within Nigeria’s legal system.
The former AGF further alleged that no specific eviction order was obtained and that court officials were not involved in the operation.
He hinted at possible political undertones but declined to make direct accusations, citing the ongoing court case.
Malami said he would challenge the EFCC’s actions through legal means.
The operatives, reportedly led by Folarin Dare, arrived in multiple vehicles and barricaded access to the residence during the operation.
