Operatives of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday evening sealed off a residence linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, in an apparent escalation of an ongoing corruption investigation.
Multiple enforcement vehicles, accompanied by armed operatives, were reportedly deployed to the property, where sources said Nana Hadiza Buhari, Malami’s third wife and a daughter of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was present at the time of the operation.
The action comes as Malami remains in EFCC custody over investigations bordering on alleged corruption, money laundering, terrorism financing, and issues linked to the handling of recovered Abacha loot. EFCC officials disclosed that although the former minister was previously granted administrative bail, the bail was revoked after he allegedly failed to meet key conditions attached to it.
The commission insists that Malami is being held lawfully and remains under detention pending further compliance and extended interrogation.
Malami served as Nigeria’s chief law officer from 2015 to 2023 and married Nana Hadiza Buhari in July 2022 at a private ceremony held at the Presidential Villa Mosque in Abuja.
Earlier reports indicated that Malami accused the EFCC of conducting coordinated raids on his offices and private residences in Abuja and Kebbi State. In a statement signed by his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami’s camp claimed the raids followed shortly after his team referenced Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report.
According to the statement, the EFCC carried out the searches without prior notice and allegedly targeted documents related to the Salami Report. Malami’s office described the development as alarming, raising concerns over intimidation, retaliation, and the safety of staff.
The statement further urged Nigerians and members of the media to closely examine the timing and legality of the EFCC’s actions, warning that any harm to Malami or his associates would be attributed to what it described as a troubling pattern of conduct.
