Former AGF says anti-graft agency acted without court order despite pending case; EFCC insists action followed interim forfeiture process.

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has condemned the actions of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his Abuja residence, describing them as unlawful and extrajudicial.

Malami alleged that the anti-graft agency attempted to take over his Maitama property despite an ongoing legal challenge, insisting that no court order authorised such action.

The EFCC had earlier marked the property, located at No. 2 Koronakh Close, off Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja, as part of steps to enforce an interim forfeiture order.

However, the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, maintained that the move was a routine law enforcement procedure intended to notify the public of the property’s status following the court’s forfeiture order.

Speaking to journalists at his chambers in Wuse 2, Abuja, Malami said the commission went beyond its mandate by attempting to take possession of the residence while criminal proceedings against him remain pending before the Federal High Court.

He noted that although the court granted an interim forfeiture order on January 6, 2026, the ruling did not authorise immediate possession of the property or the eviction of occupants.

“There was an attempt yesterday by the EFCC, which is a co-litigant in pending criminal proceedings before the Federal High Court involving me. Arising from that proceeding, there was an interim forfeiture order granted on January 6, 2026,” Malami said.

“But the most important aspect of that order is that there were no clear directives that the premises should be taken over immediately, sold, or that occupants should be evicted.”

Malami further disclosed that he has filed an application before the Federal High Court seeking to set aside the forfeiture order, with the matter scheduled for hearing on April 20, 2026.

He insisted that the EFCC ought to refrain from enforcement actions while the case remains before the court.

Despite this, he alleged that operatives of the commission returned to the residence with additional armed personnel, escalating tensions around the property.