A former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has alleged that his offices and residences have been raided by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Speaking through his office, Malami claimed the alleged raid was because of his recent reference to the Salami report.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Malami’s office said operatives of the EFCC conducted coordinated raids on the ex-AGF’s offices and private residences in Abuja and Kebbi state.
The statement signed by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Malami, said the raids occurred immediately after the ex-minister made a public statement referencing Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report.
According to the statement, the EFCC operatives allegedly targeted documents related to that chapter, without prior notice.
The statement described the action of the EFCC’ as “deeply alarming”, noting that the they amount to intimidation and retaliation, following Malami’s call for the EFCC chairman’s recusal from his ongoing probe due to alleged bias stemming from the Salami Report.
Chapter 9 of the Salami report reportedly contains findings implicating senior EFCC officials, including the current Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, who served as secretary to the panel.
“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.
Malami’s office urged the media and the public to question the timing and justification of the raids, as well as the long-standing contention over Chapter 9. It called on the civil society, professional bodies and human rights groups to demand the full release of the Salami report for transparency.
This development follows ongoing EFCC investigation into allegations against Malami, including abuse of office, money laundering, and issues related to Abacha loot recoveries.
Malami has previously alleged political motivation and conflict of interest in the probe.
Malami had released excerpts of the Salami Report, which according to him, indicted EFCC boss, Ola Olukoyede.
Malami said Chapter 9 of the report shows a clear conflict of interest that makes the EFCC chairman’s continued involvement in matters relating to him untenable.
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