Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami has claimed that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided his offices and residences in Abuja and Kebbi State. The raids followed Malami’s public reference to Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report. According to a statement from Malami’s office, EFCC agents searched for documents related to Chapter 9 without giving any prior notice.
The statement described the EFCC’s action as “deeply alarming,” characterising it as an attempt to intimidate and retaliate against Malami for demanding the EFCC chairman’s recusal from an ongoing probe. Malami’s office argued that the chairman’s involvement in the investigation constitutes a conflict of interest, citing the Salami Report, which implicates senior EFCC officials, including the current chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa.
The Salami Report has been at the centre of controversy, and Malami’s office urged the media and the public to question both the timing and justification of the raids, as well as the long‑standing dispute over Chapter 9. It also called on civil‑society organisations, professional bodies and human‑rights groups to demand the full release of the Salami Report to ensure transparency.
The raids occur amid an ongoing EFCC investigation into allegations against Malami, including abuse of office, money laundering and matters related to the recovery of Abacha loot. Malami has repeatedly alleged that the probe is politically motivated and that there is a conflict of interest. He previously released excerpts of the Salami Report, which he said indict the EFCC boss and demonstrate a clear conflict of interest.
These developments have raised concerns about the use of law‑enforcement agencies for political purposes and highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the investigative process. As the situation unfolds, observers will watch how the EFCC responds to Malami’s allegations and whether the Salami Report will be made public. The international community is closely monitoring the case, and any harm to Malami or his personnel will be scrutinised.
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