Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has alleged that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided his offices and residences.
Malami, speaking through his office, claimed the raids were linked to his recent reference to the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Malami’s office said the EFCC conducted coordinated operations at the ex-minister’s offices and private residences in Abuja and Kebbi State.
The statement, signed by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Malami, said the raids occurred immediately after the former minister publicly cited Chapter 9 of the Salami report.
According to the statement, EFCC operatives allegedly targeted documents connected to that chapter without issuing prior notice.
The statement described the actions as “deeply alarming,” suggesting that they amounted to intimidation and retaliation following Malami’s call for the EFCC chairman’s recusal due to alleged bias related to the Salami Report.
“Chapter 9 of the Salami report reportedly contains findings implicating senior EFCC officials, including the current chairman, Ola Olukoyede, who served as secretary to the panel.”
“We hereby place Nigerians and the international community on notice that any harm to our personnel or to Abubakar Malami, SAN, will be solely attributable to this pattern of conduct,” the statement warned.
Malami’s office urged the media and the public to question the timing and justification of the raids, highlighting ongoing controversy over Chapter 9. It called on civil society, professional bodies and human rights organizations to demand the full release of the Salami report for transparency.
The development comes amid an EFCC investigation into allegations against Malami, including abuse of office, money laundering, and matters relating to Abacha loot recoveries.
The former AGF has previously alleged political motivations and conflicts of interest in the probe.
Malami had also released excerpts of the Salami Report, which he claims indict EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
He argued that Chapter 9 reveals a clear conflict of interest that renders Olukoyede’s continued involvement in matters concerning him untenable.