The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has justified its action in sealing properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, insisting that the move was backed by valid court orders and in line with existing laws.

The Commission’s clarification comes amid public debate following reports earlier in the day that EFCC operatives sealed properties allegedly linked to Malami, sparking legal and political reactions.

The anti-graft agency maintained that its actions remain guided by judicial pronouncements and its statutory mandate to investigate and recover proceeds of corruption.

Reacting to concerns trailing the development, the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, stated that the Commission acted strictly within the confines of the law, particularly the provisions guiding asset forfeiture.

According to him, the affected properties had earlier been presented before a competent court as proceeds of alleged crime, upon which the court granted an interim forfeiture order.

“We know these properties were mentioned in the ongoing trial. We presented them before the court in the course of our investigation, and the court granted us an interim forfeiture,” Oyewale explained.

He further referenced the relevant legal framework, noting that under Section 5B of the applicable anti-corruption law, agencies such as the EFCC are empowered to take possession of assets once a forfeiture order has been issued.

“So, for every forfeiture order, an anti-corruption agency can take possession of the property.

“That is exactly what we have done. We are not doing anything extra-legal,” he said.

The EFCC spokesperson also dismissed claims that the action constituted an attack on the rule of law, stressing that due process was followed at every stage.

“There is no attack on the rule of law. He is a lawyer and understands what the law says,” Oyewale added. (The Sun)

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