Malami, EFCC stand-off escalates, as former AGF condemns raids on his Abuja, Kebbi property

Tensions between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), reached a breaking point on Wednesday following coordinated raids on the former minister’s private properties.

Operatives of the anti-graft agency reportedly stormed Malami’s offices and residences across both Abuja and Kebbi State. The operations were confirmed in a statement released by Mohammed Doka, Malami’s media aide, who described the timing and scope of the raids as troubling, raising questions about the motive, legality and intent behind the action.

The controversy centers on Chapter 9 of the 2021 Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report. This report was originally commissioned to investigate allegations of mismanagement and corruption within the EFCC under its former leadership. Doka alleged that the raids were conducted shortly after Malami’s office publicly referenced the unpublished findings of that commission, specifically claiming the operation was for the purpose of seizing Chapter 9 of the report.

In a direct confrontation with the current EFCC leadership, Malami’s camp accused the commission’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, of bias and demanded his recusal from matters relating to him. Reacting to the searches, Malami’s legal team characterized the development as “deeply alarming,” suggesting the raids were a form of state-sponsored retaliation.

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The statement issued by Malami’s office warned that the safety of Malami and his staff had been compromised and placed Nigerians and the international community on notice over any potential harm arising from what it described as a troubling pattern of conduct. The former AGF further challenged the EFCC to clarify the legal basis for searches allegedly centred on a specific chapter of a judicial commission report, questioning why due process was not followed if the investigation was lawful and free of bias.

As the standoff intensifies, Malami is now advocating for full public disclosure of the 2021 inquiry. He called on civil society organisations, professional bodies and human rights groups to pressure the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to release the full Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report, particularly Chapter 9.

According to the statement, making the report public would promote transparency, strengthen accountability and restore public confidence in ongoing anti-corruption efforts.

Reaffirming his position, Malami said he remains willing to submit himself to a neutral and lawful process before a court of competent jurisdiction, insisting that raids and media trials cannot substitute for due process and the rule of law.

As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC has maintained silence on the matter and has yet to issue an official response to the allegations of intimidation.

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