Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have identified and marked properties in Abuja believed to be connected to Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, as part of forfeiture proceedings.
The action took place just hours after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar paid a visit to Malami’s residence.
EFCC operatives, accompanied by armed security personnel, carried out the exercise on Monday morning but encountered resistance from the former minister and individuals present at the scene.
In a video circulating online, Malami was seen demanding that an official, believed to be from the EFCC, present a court order authorising the marking and takeover of his property.
The official responded that the anti-graft agency had the authority to proceed since the property was under forfeiture.
However, Malami insisted that the forfeiture order had expired and again requested proof of authorisation.
An inscription reading “Restrained order EFCC keep off” was placed on one of the properties linked to him.
Earlier in January, a federal high court in Abuja ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly associated with Malami and two of his sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru Rahman Malami.
The court directed the EFCC to publish the interim order in a national newspaper, inviting any interested parties to appear within 14 days and show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited.
In February, Malami filed a legal challenge against the interim forfeiture order.
Meanwhile, the former AGF is currently facing trial on two separate criminal charges.
He was released from custody last week after being granted bail by a court.
On February 27, a federal high court in Abuja granted bail to Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, in the sum of N200 million each over allegations related to terrorism.
They were initially arraigned on February 3 on a five-count charge involving alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has accused Malami of failing to prosecute terrorism financiers despite receiving case files during his time in office.
Separately, the EFCC has also arraigned Malami, his son, and his wife over alleged money laundering involving N8,713,923,759.49.