Forfeiture Dispute: EFCC Evicts Malami, Family from Abuja Residence

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of forcibly evicting him and his family from their Abuja residence despite ongoing court proceedings over the property.

Global Mirror News gathered that EFCC operatives stormed the Maitama property on Monday and returned on Tuesday with reinforced, armed personnel to complete the takeover.

Speaking at a press briefing, Malami alleged that the Commission acted without obtaining the necessary court orders authorising eviction or enforcement.

According to him, the action followed an interim forfeiture order granted on January 6, 2026, but he maintained that the ruling did not empower the EFCC to immediately seize the property or eject occupants.

“The Commission neither sought an order to seal the property nor an order to evict my family before carrying out this action,” he stated.

The property in question, located in Maitama, Abuja, is described by Malami as his family residence. He added that he has already challenged the forfeiture order at the Federal High Court, with the matter adjourned until April 20, 2026.

Malami argued that since the case is still before the court, the EFCC should have refrained from taking what he described as unilateral enforcement measures.

He further criticised the process, noting that under Nigerian law, the execution of court orders is typically handled by judicial అధికారులు such as bailiffs, not by parties involved in litigation.

Describing the development as unprecedented, Malami insisted that the eviction and takeover violated established legal procedures.

He also hinted at possible political undertones, pointing out that the incident occurred shortly after his release from detention and amid increased political engagements and support from associates. However, he stopped short of directly accusing the Commission of political persecution, citing the ongoing legal process.

Malami confirmed that he would challenge the EFCC’s actions through legal channels.

Efforts to reach his legal representative, J.B. Daudu, for comments on the next steps in the case were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

Earlier reports indicated that EFCC operatives, reportedly led by an official identified as Folarin Dare, arrived at the residence in multiple vehicles and barricaded access to the area while carrying out the operation.

The anti-corruption Agency has yet to issue an official response regarding the allegations as of press time.