Security Operatives Raid Malami’s Abuja Home; Atiku’s Visit Preceded Operation

Security operatives on Monday stormed the Abuja residence of Abubakar Malami SAN, the former Attorney General of the Federation, in a dramatic development that followed a high profile visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Footage circulating from the scene shows Mr. Malami, still in the attire he wore to receive Mr. Atiku earlier in the day, confronting officers at his main residence. “Show me where they said you should come and take over my property,” he asked, challenging the legitimacy of the action amid an ongoing legal dispute. “When the matter is pending in court, can you operate extraordinarily?”

In the exchange, a plain clothes operative insisted they had the right to mark the property, to which Mr. Malami replied: “Is it under forfeiture when the order has elapsed … without an existing court order … are you coming all over my property to embarrass me unnecessarily?”

Mr. Malami, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023, is currently facing a 16 count charge related to alleged money laundering that involves his wife and son.

In remarks to media, he described his recent legal battles as a personal journey, insisting he will challenge the charges in court. “I have spent time in EFCC custody, Kuje Prison, and with the DSS… I believe it is all God’s will, and I accept it, but I will defend myself against the allegations,” he said.

The raid has sparked intense reaction across political and legal circles, with critics questioning the timing of the operation so soon after Mr. Atiku’s visit. Efforts to reach officials for comment were not immediately successful at the time of filing.