Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has placed an official notice on a property in Abuja connected to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, citing an existing court-approved forfeiture process.

According to the commission, the move is part of standard procedure after securing an interim forfeiture order, aimed at informing the public that the property is under legal scrutiny. Officials stressed that the action was not a raid but simply enforcement of a judicial directive.

The development follows the circulation of a video online showing a tense exchange between Malami and EFCC operatives. In the clip, the former minister questioned the legitimacy of the action, arguing that the court order presented did not specifically authorize the marking of his residence. He insisted the matter remains unresolved in court and accused authorities of trying to publicly discredit him.

The EFCC, however, maintained that once a court grants an interim forfeiture, it has the legal backing to identify and mark affected assets pending final determination.

The situation has drawn political reactions, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar visiting Malami in a show of support shortly after returning to Nigeria. During the visit, Atiku also called for the release of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and others he described as political detainees.

In a strongly worded statement, Atiku alleged that recent actions against opposition figures point to increasing political pressure and misuse of state institutions. He warned that such developments could undermine democratic principles if not addressed.

The legal battle traces back to a court order earlier in the year, which approved the temporary forfeiture of dozens of properties reportedly linked to Malami and his family, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. The court also invited interested parties to challenge the order before a final decision is made.