Federal High Court for Abuja don order interim forfeiture of 57 properties wey dem suspect say dem get link to alleged illegal money connected to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and two of him sons — Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru Rahman Malami.
According to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the properties dey worth ₦213.23 billion.
Justice Emeka Nwite, wey dey preside over the matter, grant the order on Tuesday after EFCC file ex parte application through their lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho.
Why Court Grant the Order
For him ruling, Justice Nwite talk say the properties dey “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities”, and so dem go temporarily forfeit am to the Federal Government pending further hearing.
“It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties… reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities,” the judge rule.
The court also direct EFCC to publish the forfeiture order for national newspaper, make anybody wey get interest for any of the properties show face within 14 days and explain why court no suppose order final forfeiture.
The matter don adjourn to January 27 for report on whether EFCC comply with the publication order.
Some of the Properties EFCC List
Among the assets wey court order make dem seize temporarily include:
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Luxury duplex for Maitama, Abuja, bought for ₦500m in 2022, later valued at about ₦5.95bn
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Former Harmonia Hotel for Garki, Abuja, bought for ₦7bn
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Five-storey Meethaq Hotel for Jabi, Abuja, now valued at ₦8.4bn
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Hotel facility for Rhine Street, Maitama, now worth about ₦12.95bn
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Properties for Asokoro, Wuse II, Gwarimpa, Apo Legislative Quarters and other high-brow areas of Abuja
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Residential and commercial properties for Kano, Kaduna and Kebbi States
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100 hectares of land along Birnin Kebbi–Jega Road
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Multiple houses and lands under Khadimiyya for Justice and Development Initiative for Birnin Kebbi
EFCC also list malls, warehouses, plazas, estates and bungalows bought between 2016 and 2024, some without purchase values stated.
Trial Still Dey Go On
The interim forfeiture come as Malami, him wife Bashir Asabe, and him son Abdulaziz still dey face money laundering charges of ₦8.7bn for the same Federal High Court in Abuja.
EFCC allege say the money and properties link to abuse of office and illegal financial dealings during Malami time as Attorney-General.
As at now, the forfeiture na temporary, pending final court decision after anybody wey get claim to the properties come forward.
This case don further raise questions about public office accountability, asset ownership, and anti-corruption enforcement under Nigeria law.
