Malami Alleges EFCC Raids Offices and Homes Over Salami Report Reference
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has alleged that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided his offices and residences in Abuja and Kebbi State. According to a statement issued Wednesday by Malami’s office, the raids were carried out shortly after he publicly referenced Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report. The statement, signed by Malami’s Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, claimed that EFCC operatives specifically targeted documents related to that chapter, without prior notice. Malami’s office described the action as “deeply alarming,” suggesting it amounts to intimidation and retaliation. The former AGF had previously called for the recusal of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede from the ongoing investigation into him, citing alleged bias linked to findings in the Salami Report. Chapter 9 reportedly implicates senior EFCC officials, including Olukoyede, who served as secretary to the commission. “We hereby place Nigerians and the international community on notice that any harm to our personnel or to Abubakar Malami, SAN, will be solely attributable to this pattern of conduct,” the statement warned. The statement urged the media, civil society, professional bodies, and human rights organizations to question the timing and justification of the raids and called for the full release of the Salami Report to ensure transparency. The development comes amid ongoing EFCC investigations into allegations against Malami, including abuse of office, money laundering, and matters related to recovered Abacha loot. Malami has repeatedly claimed political motivation and conflicts of interest in the probe, asserting that Chapter 9 of the Salami Report exposes a clear conflict of interest that undermines the EFCC chairman’s role in matters concerning him.