Dare Babalola
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday took over a high-profile property belonging to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in Abuja, in what appears to be a significant escalation of an ongoing corruption investigation.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that a convoy of heavily armed EFCC personnel, led by an official identified as Folarin Dare, stormed the residence in Maitama—one of the capital’s most exclusive districts—arriving in multiple buses. The operatives subsequently sealed off the property and restricted movement in the area, effectively cutting off access to the house located on Koranakh Close, off Amazon Street.
Sources familiar with the development say the action is part of efforts by the anti-graft agency to secure the property for possible forfeiture, pending the outcome of investigations into alleged financial misconduct linked to the former justice minister.
Although the EFCC has yet to release an official statement detailing the operation, the move is widely believed to be connected to a broader probe into transactions and decisions taken during Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General between 2015 and 2023.
During his time in office under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Malami was one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s justice sector, overseeing high-stakes legal battles and government prosecutions. However, his tenure was not without controversy, as critics and civil society groups repeatedly raised concerns over transparency in asset recoveries, legal settlements, and the handling of corruption cases.
In recent months, anti-corruption agencies have intensified scrutiny of former public officials, particularly those who held strategic positions in the previous administration. Analysts say the latest action by the EFCC signals a willingness to pursue high-profile cases, including asset tracing and recovery efforts tied to alleged abuse of office.
The sealing of Malami’s residence is expected to fuel further public debate about accountability in government, as Nigerians await official clarification on the allegations and the legal steps that may follow.
