The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has confirmed marking a property in Abuja linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, following a court-ordered interim forfeiture.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, explained on Monday that the action was a routine enforcement procedure meant to notify the public that the property is under forfeiture. He dismissed claims that operatives raided the residence, insisting that the commission only acted within the law.
According to him, once a court grants a forfeiture order, the agency has the authority to mark or attach the property to indicate its status.
The clarification comes after a viral video showed Malami confronting EFCC operatives and questioning the legality of their actions. In the footage, the former minister demanded to see the court order, arguing that it did not specifically authorise the marking of his property and accusing the commission of attempting to embarrass him.
An EFCC official in the video maintained that the agency was within its rights to act once the property had been placed under forfeiture.
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The development has sparked political reactions. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who recently visited Malami, criticised the move, describing it as politically motivated and an abuse of power. He also called for the release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and other detainees.
Atiku alleged that the actions against opposition figures reflect a broader attempt to intimidate dissenting voices, warning that such developments could undermine Nigeria’s democratic system.
Meanwhile, the EFCC maintains that its actions are guided strictly by court orders and due process. Earlier in January, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the interim forfeiture of several properties allegedly linked to Malami and his associates, directing interested parties to challenge the order in court if necessary.
