Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday carried out raids on the offices and private residences of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), in Abuja and Kebbi State.
However, Malami’s media aide, Mohammed Doka, confirmed the development and linked the action to recent comments made by the former minister regarding the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report.
According to Doka, the EFCC conducted the raids shortly after Malami publicly referenced Chapter 9 of the report. Consequently, he alleged that the commission aimed to seize documents connected to that section.
Meanwhile, Malami accused EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede of bias and formally demanded his recusal from any matter involving him. He described the timing of the raids as troubling and questioned their legality and intent.
Allegations of Retaliation
Notably, Malami’s camp described the operation as an act of intimidation. The statement claimed the raids amounted to retaliation for demanding transparency and accountability within the EFCC.
As a result, Malami warned that the safety of his staff had been compromised. He also placed both Nigerians and the international community on notice over what he described as a dangerous precedent.
Background of the Ayo Salami Panel
The Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry was set up in 2021 to probe allegations of corruption and mismanagement of recovered assets within the EFCC. Although the panel submitted its report in November 2021, authorities have yet to release it publicly.
Importantly, Chapter 9 reportedly contains findings concerning senior government officials, including Malami, during his tenure as supervising minister of the EFCC.
Call for Transparency
Amid the controversy, Malami renewed his call for the full publication of the report, particularly Chapter 9. He argued that disclosure would strengthen accountability and restore public confidence in anti-corruption efforts.
Additionally, he stated his willingness to submit himself to any neutral and lawful judicial process. He stressed that raids and media trials cannot replace due process.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued an official response.
