A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a significant order for the interim forfeiture of 57 high-value properties suspected to be proceeds of crime, with a staggering value of N213.2 billion. The assets are linked to the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his two sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru-Rahman Malami.
Court Grants Forfeiture of Multi-Billion Naira Assets
Presiding Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, granted the order on Tuesday, January 8, 2026, following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The commission's counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), successfully argued the motion for the temporary seizure of the properties.
The forfeited assets, spread across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states, include a diverse portfolio:
- Rayhaan University Buildings
- Agro-allied factory buildings and machinery
- Hotels and pharmacies
- Supermarkets and shopping complexes
- Primary and secondary schools
- Oil and gas filling stations
In his ruling, Justice Nwite stated that the properties are "reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities." He directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, inviting any interested party to show cause within 14 days why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government. The case has been adjourned until January 27, 2026, for a report on compliance.
Malami Alleges Plot for Re-arrest by DSS
In a dramatic twist, Abubakar Malami has raised an alarm over an alleged plan by security agencies to re-arrest him. Through a statement issued by his media aide, Mohammed Doka, Malami claimed that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) had mounted surveillance around the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The former minister's camp alleges this is in preparation for a fresh arrest, despite a subsisting bail order granted by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. The statement contends that the EFCC refused to honour the bail order, deliberately frustrating a valid judicial decision. It further claims intelligence suggests plans are underway to re-arrest Malami on "unrelated and trumped-up charges" immediately upon his potential release.
Malami, alongside his wife, Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, is currently facing trial before Justice Nwite on an alleged N8.7 billion money laundering charge.
EFCC Warns of Coordinated Smear Campaigns Ahead of 2027
Amid these developments, the EFCC has issued a separate warning about "planned campaigns of calumny" aimed at undermining its operations. The commission's Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, stated that the agency has uncovered moves by individuals with vested interests in ongoing cases to sponsor media attacks against its leadership, particularly Chairman Ola Olukoyede.
According to the EFCC, the alleged smear campaign involves a coalition of "paid jobbers" from political circles, academia, self-styled civil society activists, and even some Nigerian fugitives abroad. Their objective, the commission asserts, is to spread false allegations of political bias to intimidate the EFCC and distract it from its duties.
The anti-graft agency warned that these attacks are expected to intensify as the country approaches the 2027 general elections, a period often marked by heightened political tension and attempts to discredit anti-corruption institutions. The EFCC remains resolute, stating it will not be intimidated into a "timid mode" by such tactics.
