The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission marked a property in Abuja linked to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami as part of an ongoing forfeiture process approved by a court. The action took place on Monday and follows a legal order that allows the agency to take temporary control of assets under investigation.
According to the commission, the marking of the property was done to notify the public that the building is under a forfeiture order. The agency explained that once such an order is issued, it has the authority to identify the property and warn interested parties about its status.
The development gained attention after a video surfaced online showing a tense moment between Malami and EFCC officials at the location. In the footage, the former minister questioned the legality of their presence and challenged the basis of their action. He argued that the order presented to him did not clearly apply to the property and insisted that the matter was still before the court.
The EFCC, however, denied claims that its operatives raided the residence. It maintained that the exercise was a lawful step taken to enforce a court directive and not an attempt to invade or harass anyone.
The incident came shortly after a visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to Malami’s residence. The visit was described as a show of support, coming at a time when the former minister is facing legal scrutiny over multiple properties linked to him.
Atiku later raised concerns about the action, describing it as part of a wider pattern of pressure on opposition figures. He also called for the release of detained political figures, including Nasir El-Rufai, and warned against actions that could affect political freedom.
The case is linked to an earlier court decision in January, where a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the interim forfeiture of several properties connected to Malami and his family members. The court also asked the anti-graft agency to publish the order and invite any interested parties to challenge it.
In response, Malami had approached the court to contest the forfeiture, maintaining that the properties were not proceeds of illegal activity. The legal battle is still ongoing, with both sides presenting their arguments.
The EFCC has also filed charges involving alleged financial crimes against the former minister and some of his relatives. The outcome of the case will determine whether the properties will be permanently taken over by the government or returned to their owners.
The situation continues to draw public attention as legal proceedings move forward and more details emerge around the case.