TENSION escalated on Monday as security operatives stormed the residence of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, just hours after a visit by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
News Point Nigeria reports that the early morning operation comes amid ongoing legal battles involving the former minister, who is currently facing multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering and terrorism-related offences.
Malami, who was recently released on bail after a period in detention, was at home receiving political associates when the operatives arrived. Sources confirmed that prominent figures within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Atiku, had visited him shortly before the incident.
A video circulating online captured a tense exchange between Malami and the security officials, who were reportedly attempting to mark some of his properties over alleged forfeiture proceedings.
Visibly agitated, Malami questioned the legality of the operation, demanding proof of a valid court order authorising the action.
“Show me where they said you should come and take over my property. When the matter is pending in court, can you operate extraordinarily?” he was heard saying.
In response, one of the plain-clothes operatives insisted that they had the authority to act, stating that properties under forfeiture could be marked.
However, Malami countered that any previous court order permitting such action had already expired.
“An order granted for 14 days has elapsed and you’re coming to embarrass me… Where is the order that gave you the permission to come over to my property and mark them?” he challenged.
Despite repeated demands, the former minister maintained that the document presented lacked specific directives authorising the marking of his residence.
“This matter is pending in court… Without an existing court order, you are coming all over my property to embarrass me,” he said, before adding, “Go ahead and mark. We will meet in court.”
Malami is currently facing a 16-count charge alongside members of his family, including his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz. The charges primarily relate to alleged financial crimes, including money laundering.
Although he has denied all allegations, the case has continued to attract national attention due to his former role as the country’s chief law officer.
In a recent interview, Malami described his detention experience as part of a personal trial, revealing that he had been held by multiple security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), as well as at Kuje Correctional Facility.
“I believe it is all God’s will, and I accept it, but I will defend myself against the allegations,” he said.
The former minister has also accused authorities of violating his constitutional rights during the course of the investigation.
According to him, security operatives conducted searches of his homes and business premises without prior notice or his presence.
“Constitutionally, I have the right to be present during a search to oversee the investigation of my property,” he argued, adding that such actions undermined due process.
Malami had earlier alleged that he was denied access to his family members and legal representatives during his detention following his rearrest on January 19 by DSS operatives.
On February 27, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted Malami and his son bail in the sum of N200 million each, with strict conditions attached. The charges against them include allegations linked to terrorism financing, further complicating the legal battle.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Malami has remained defiant, insisting that he would clear his name in court.
“I have no regrets regarding what I did during my time as a minister,” he stated.