Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday moved to enforce the forfeiture of a Maitama, Abuja residence linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.The operation was led by an official identified as Folarin Dare, with heavily armed personnel arriving at the property in at least five buses.
Sources, according to Daily Post, said the operatives barricaded the road leading to the residence, effectively restricting movement in the area.
The property, located at No. 2 Koranakh Close, off Amazon Street in Maitama, was sealed off as EFCC officials took control of the premises.
The development is believed to be connected to an ongoing investigation into alleged financial improprieties involving the former Minister of Justice.
It was gathered that the anti-graft agency is acting on an interim forfeiture order granted by a court, which paved the way for the action.
Reacting to the development, Malami described the move as politically motivated, alleging that it was linked to his governorship ambition.
The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress claimed that operatives harassed members of his family during the operation.
“There were personnel that were fully kitted, fully armed, and very intimidating, harassing my immediate family members under the pretext that they came to serve letters of invitation,” he said.
Malami further alleged that the EFCC extended its actions beyond his primary residence.
“So letters were eventually served, not only at the house where they found me, but also at my other multiple houses and business premises,” he added.
He maintained that he had complied with due process, insisting that the actions of the agency were unjustified.
The former AGF also raised concerns over the timing of the operation, noting that it coincided with visits from prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had yet to issue an official statement on the development.
The incident, however, is expected to heighten political and legal debates as investigations into the matter continue.
