The Office of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has issued a press release claiming that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted coordinated raids on Malami’s offices and private residences in Abuja and Kebbi State.
According to the statement signed by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Malami, the raids occurred immediately after a public statement referencing Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report. The operatives allegedly targeted documents related to that chapter without prior notice.
The release describes the actions as “deeply alarming,” suggesting they amount to intimidation and retaliation following calls for the EFCC Chairman’s recusal due to alleged bias stemming from the Salami Report. Chapter 9 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 public to question the timing and justification of the raids, as well as the long-standing contention over Chapter 9. It called on civil society, professional bodies, and human rights groups to demand the full release of the Salami Report for transparency.
This development follows Malami’s ongoing EFCC investigation into allegations including abuse of office, money laundering, and issues related to Abacha loot recoveries. Malami has previously alleged political motivation and conflict of interest in the probe.