Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday moved to take over the Maitama residence of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in Abuja.

The operatives, reportedly led by Folarin Sunday Dare, arrived in multiple vehicles and barricaded access to the property, effectively sealing off the area.

A member of Malami’s household, Shehu Koko, confirmed that the former Minister of Justice was present when officials arrived and later left the premises after engaging with them.

Koko alleged that the operatives did not present a court order but said Malami chose not to resist the action.

According to him, the former minister allowed the officials to proceed to avoid confrontation.

Access to the residence, located in the Maitama district, was restricted as security personnel maintained a heavy presence around the area.

The development follows a January ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja granting an interim forfeiture order on 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami and his associates.

The court had directed the anti-graft agency to publish the order and invite interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

In February, Malami filed a motion challenging the forfeiture order.

In a separate case, the EFCC had earlier arraigned Malami, alongside members of his family, over alleged money laundering involving billions of naira.

Malami, who served as Attorney-General under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, later defected to the African Democratic Congress in July 2025.