EFCC Seals Malami's Properties; ICPC Set to Arraign Ex-Kaduna Governor El-Rufai

Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) took action yesterday, sealing off the homes belonging to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), in Abuja. This development comes as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) indicated its intention to arraign former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, today, citing allegations of financial malfeasance.

EFCC agents in plain clothing were observed marking Malami's properties in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday. During this process, the former AGF reportedly questioned the legitimacy of the documents presented by the officials.

Malami engaged with the EFCC personnel, requesting to see the court order authorising the marking of his properties. He argued that any such order should be specific and clearly direct them to his property. Malami stated that with the matter pending in court, their actions, especially after the initial 14-day order had expired, were extraordinary and intended to embarrass him.

An EFCC operative present responded that they had the authority to mark properties under forfeiture and presented an order, prompting the marking of the building with the inscription: “Restrained order, EFCC, Keep off.”

In a television interview on Monday evening, Malami elaborated on the sealing of his houses, revealing that he had challenged the court order for the interim forfeiture of his assets. He described the EFCC personnel as intimidating and harassing towards his family during the service of letters. Malami explained that an order for interim forfeiture was issued on January 6, 2026, granting him 14 days to respond, and that he had since responded and applied to have the order set aside.

The case dates back to December 2025, when EFCC operatives raided Malami's offices and residences in Abuja and Kebbi State. His media aide, Mohammed Doka, confirmed the raids, stating they were aimed at confiscating part of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report that Malami's office had reportedly cited.

The Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry was established in 2021 to investigate corruption, abuse of office, and mismanagement of assets within the EFCC during the tenure of its former chairman, Ibrahim Magu.

Earlier, Malami, his son Abdulaziz, his wife, and a staff member of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, Asabe Bashir, were charged in a 16-count indictment concerning the alleged diversion of property valued in billions of naira across Kebbi, Kano, and Abuja. Malami had recently been released on bail after approximately three months in custody, having met the N200 million bail condition.

The charges detail Malami's alleged involvement in concealing the unlawful origin of substantial sums of money through various companies, including Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd and Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, between July 2022 and June 2025. These funds were allegedly used for property purchases and loans.

Specific allegations include using N1,014,848,500 and N600,013,460.4 in Sterling Bank PLC accounts to conceal illicit funds. He was also accused of using N500m as collateral for a loan to Rahaan Hotels Ltd and of disguising the origin of N500m paid to Efab Properties Ltd for a luxury duplex in Maitama, Abuja, in November 2022.

Further charges involve conspiracy to disguise the origin of over N1 billion paid through the Union Bank Plc account of Meethaq Hotels Ltd between November 2022 and September 2024. Malami and others are accused of controlling over N1.3 billion paid into Meethaq Hotels Limited's account and concealing N700 million for property acquisition at Hamonia Hotels Ltd.

Allegations also include concealing N850 million for property purchases at Meethaq Hotels Ltd in Jabi District, acquiring property at 3 Rhine Street Maitama for N430 million, and concealing N325 million for property at 11A Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro. Additionally, they allegedly concealed N120 million for a property in Gwarimpa, Abuja.

The federal government contends that Malami and the co-defendants concealed funds for purchasing a luxury duplex in Maitama, acquired landed properties indirectly between December 2016 and April 2022, and concealed aggregate sums for properties in Gwarimpa, Birnin Kebbi, and Kano.

Charges also include concealing N415 million for various properties and assets in Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano between October 2018 and December 2021. These alleged offences contravene sections 15(2) (a) (3) and 18(3) of the Money Laundering Act 2004.

In a separate case, Malami and his son were arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on February 3, 2026, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on five counts related to terrorism financing, preparatory acts, and firearms violations.

The DSS alleged that Malami, as the former chief law officer, abetted terrorism financing by allegedly failing to prosecute suspected financiers, which breaches Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition was also alleged, discovered at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, in December 2025.

Legal experts have weighed in on the enforcement of court orders. Lawyer Godwin Ijunbor Esq. stated that an unenforced order within its specified timeframe becomes invalid, rendering any subsequent enforcement illegal. He advised seeking relief from the court.

Chibueze Maduka Esq. echoed this, noting that an expired order must be renewed, not enforced, as it loses its legal force.

Professor Sadiq Abubakar, a political scientist at the University of Abuja, described the invasion of Malami's residences as politically motivated, citing it as an infringement of human rights, indicative of intolerance towards opposition, and a blatant abuse of power. He urged government agencies to adhere to constitutional processes.

The ICPC announced on Monday that El-Rufai is scheduled for arraignment in Kaduna over alleged financial improprieties. The former FCT minister and his accomplices are to face charges in various courts in Kaduna State related to fraud and abuse of office.

El-Rufai's arraignment follows over 30 days in custody without formal charges. He had previously been invited by the EFCC on February 16, detained for two nights over alleged financial impropriety during his governorship but was not arraigned.

Reports emerged on February 18 that operatives of the DSS had taken El-Rufai into custody. The ICPC later confirmed on February 19 that the former governor was in their custody.

ICPC spokesperson John Odey stated on Monday that charges against El-Rufai were filed on March 18, 2026. Charges at the Federal High Court in Kaduna include conversion of public property, possession of public property, and money laundering.

Odey added that El-Rufai and accomplice Joel Adoga face suit number FHC/KD/73/2026 at the Federal High Court in Kaduna. Furthermore, another charge, number KDH/KAD/IICPC/01/26, has been filed against El-Rufai and Amadu Sule before a Kaduna State High Court, covering abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

Both sets of charges were filed by the ICPC on March 18, 2026. The arraignment date for the state high court case will be communicated later. Odey confirmed that El-Rufai has been duly served and reiterated the ICPC's commitment to due process.