Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of attempting to seize his Abuja residence while a related court case is still pending
The EFCC had on Monday marked Malami’s property in Maitama to enforce an interim forfeiture order. The agency, through its spokesperson Dele Oyewale, described the action as a routine step to notify the public of the property’s status.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Malami said the commission tried to take possession of the residence despite ongoing proceedings at the Federal High Court. He explained that while the court granted an interim forfeiture order on January 6, it did not authorise the takeover of the property or the eviction of occupants.
“There was an attempt by the EFCC in respect of pending proceedings before the Federal High Court. The order granted was an interim forfeiture order, but there were no directives that the premises should be taken over or that occupants should be evicted,” he said.
Malami confirmed that he has filed an application to set aside the forfeiture order, with the matter scheduled for hearing on April 20. He argued that the EFCC should not have acted while the case is still in court and accused the commission of trying to evict his family without due process.
“Without seeking an order to seal the property or evict occupants, the EFCC came to enforce eviction,” he said, adding that operatives later returned with additional personnel and took possession of the property.
Malami emphasised that the enforcement of court orders is the responsibility of court officials, not parties to a case. “Execution of court orders is the function of court bailiffs and not parties to a case,” he said, describing the EFCC’s actions as unlawful and warning that they could interfere with ongoing court proceedings.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
 of attempting to seize his Abuja residence while a related court case is still pending.){kind=link}