Malami raises alarm over EFCC raids, says his safety now under threat 

The office of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has raised serious alarm over what it described as threatening actions by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A press release issued by Mohammed Bello Doka Special Assistant on Media to Abubakar Malami, said EFCC operatives carried out coordinated raids on its offices as well as on Mr. Malami’s private residences in Abuja and Kebbi State.

The raids, it said, took place shortly after the office released a public statement drawing attention to Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report, which allegedly indicted the current EFCC chairman.

According to the statement, the EFCC operatives arrived without prior notice and searched for documents said to be connected to Chapter 9 of the Salami Report.

The office described the timing and manner of the raids as suspicious and alarming.

Reacting to the development, the office warned that the actions raised concerns about intimidation, retaliation and personal safety.

“We consider this development deeply alarming. Coming on the heels of a public call for the EFCC Chairman’s recusal on grounds of bias arising from Chapter 9, these raids raise grave concerns about intimidation, retaliation, and the safety of our staff and of Abubakar Malami, SAN,” the statement said.

The office said it was placing Nigerians and the international community on notice that any harm to its staff or to Mr. Malami would be blamed on what it called a troubling pattern of conduct.

It also urged Nigerians, particularly members of the media, to interrogate the situation by asking why the raids happened immediately after public reference to Chapter 9, what authority justified searches focused on that section of the report, and why force and secrecy were allegedly used instead of due process.

The office further questioned why Chapter 9 has remained controversial years after the report was submitted.

In addition, the statement called on civil society organisations, professional bodies and human rights groups to pressure the Federal Government, the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to release the full Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report, especially Chapter 9, in the interest of transparency and public confidence.

Reaffirming Mr. Malami’s position, the office said the former minister remains willing to submit himself to a fair and lawful process before a competent court.

“Abubakar Malami, SAN, remains committed to submitting himself to a neutral and lawful process before a court of competent jurisdiction. Intimidation, raids, and media trials cannot substitute for due process,” the statement added.

Malami raises alarm over EFCC raids, says his safety now under threat