A Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a major setback to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), by ordering the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to him to the Federal Government.
How It Started
In January 2026, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a civil forfeiture application seeking the seizure of 57 properties valued at approximately ₦212.8 billion, alleging that the assets were proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Malami. Justice Emeka Nwite initially granted an interim forfeiture order, directing the EFCC to publish a public notice inviting anyone with an interest in the properties to appear before the court and establish their claims.
The Fightback
Malami, his wife, Nana Hadiza, his son, Abdulaziz, and several companies associated with the properties challenged the interim forfeiture order. They argued that the assets were legally acquired and maintained that the EFCC failed to establish any connection between the properties and alleged criminal activities.
The Verdict
In her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the EFCC had satisfied the legal requirement of establishing reasonable suspicion under Nigeria’s civil forfeiture laws. She dismissed the applications filed by Malami and other claimants, emphasizing that the key issue before the court was not simply ownership of the properties, but whether the funds used to acquire them were obtained through legitimate means.
Out of the original 57 properties targeted, the court released nine assets back to their claimants, while 48 properties were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government
What Was Seized
The forfeited assets, located across Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Kebbi states, include luxury residential properties, hotels, commercial plazas, warehouses, petroleum stations, farmlands, estates, and a university.
