In a major development in Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to the Federal Government over alleged money laundering.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which argued that the assets were acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities. The court held that the commission had presented sufficient evidence to establish reasonable grounds that the properties were not legitimately obtained, paving the way for their permanent seizure by the government. (Vanguard News)
The forfeited assets are reportedly valued at about ₦212.8 billion and are spread across Abuja, Kano, Kebbi, and Kaduna States. They include luxury residential buildings, hotels, commercial plazas, schools, an agro-allied factory, filling stations, shopping complexes, warehouses, and vast parcels of land, making the judgment one of the biggest asset forfeiture rulings in Nigeria’s recent history. (Vanguard News)..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The case originated earlier this year when the court granted an interim forfeiture order covering 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami and his associates. Following the publication of the order, Malami, members of his family, and several companies approached the court, insisting that the assets were lawfully acquired through legitimate business ventures and investments.
However, after reviewing the evidence presented by both parties, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the respondents failed to satisfactorily explain the lawful sources of the funds used to acquire the majority of the assets. While the court upheld the permanent forfeiture of 48 properties, it discharged the interim forfeiture order on the remaining nine properties after finding insufficient grounds to confiscate them permanently. (Vanguard News)
The judgment marks a significant victory for the EFCC, which has maintained that the assets formed part of proceeds allegedly linked to financial crimes. The anti-graft agency has described the ruling as another step toward strengthening accountability and ensuring that illegally acquired wealth is recovered for public benefit.
The decision is expected to generate intense public debate given Malami’s prominent role as Nigeria’s chief law officer during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Although the forfeiture proceedings have concluded with respect to these assets, the former minister has continued to deny wrongdoing in the broader allegations against him, while related legal proceedings remain subject to due process.
