Former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami on Tuesday accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of attempting to take over his residence in Abuja despite a pending court case.
The EFCC had on Monday marked the property located in Maitama to enforce an interim forfeiture order.
The agency’s spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the action was a routine step to notify the public of the property’s status.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, ex-AGF Malami said the commission tried to take possession of the residence while a case involving the property was still before the Federal High Court.
He said the court granted an interim forfeiture order on January 6, but 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 said he had filed an application to set aside the forfeiture order. He said the matter is scheduled for hearing on April 20.
He said the EFCC should not have taken action while the case is still in court.
He accused the commission of attempting 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.
He said operatives returned to the residence with more personnel and took possession of the property.
Malami said enforcement of court orders is the responsibility of court officials.
“Execution of court orders is the function of court bailiffs and not parties to a case,” he said.
He described the action as unlawful and said it could affect the court process.
Malami said the timing of the action could raise questions, noting that it followed visits from political associates after his release from detention.
He, however, said he would pursue the matter through legal means.
The EFCC has said its action followed a court order on the property.
