The Office of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of carrying out coordinated raids on his offices and private residences in Abuja and Kebbi State.
In a press statement issued by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Malami, the office alleged that EFCC operatives conducted the operations shortly after a public statement referenced Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report. According to the statement, the operatives reportedly searched for documents connected to the said chapter without prior notice or formal communication.
Malami’s office described the alleged raids as “deeply alarming,” characterizing them as acts of intimidation and retaliation. The statement linked the timing of the operations to recent calls for the recusal of the EFCC Chairman, citing alleged bias arising from the Salami Report. Chapter 9 of the report is said to contain findings involving senior EFCC officials, including the current Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, who reportedly served as secretary to the judicial panel.
The statement further warned that any harm to Malami or members of his team would be held as a direct consequence of what it described as a troubling pattern of conduct. It urged Nigerians and the international community to closely monitor the situation.
Additionally, Malami’s office called on the media, civil society organizations, professional bodies, and human rights groups to scrutinize the timing and justification of the alleged raids. It also renewed demands for the full public release of the Justice Ayo Salami Report, arguing that transparency is necessary to address the ongoing controversy surrounding Chapter 9.
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The development comes amid an ongoing EFCC investigation involving Malami over allegations that include abuse of office, money laundering, and matters related to the recovery of Abacha loot. Malami has consistently maintained that the investigation is politically motivated and tainted by conflict of interest.