A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a significant interim order, mandating the temporary forfeiture of 57 properties linked to the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to the Federal Government. The properties are collectively valued at a staggering sum exceeding ₦212 billion.
Court Order and Valuation of Assets
The order was granted by Justice Emeka Nwite on January 8, 2026, following an ex parte motion filed and argued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN). This development comes shortly after reports surfaced that the anti-graft agency had traced 41 assets to the former minister, who served under the late President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.
The expansive portfolio of properties now under temporary state control includes hotels, residential buildings, schools, vast lands, and a printing press. These assets are spread across several locations:
- Properties in Kebbi State are valued at approximately ₦162.2 billion.
- Assets located in Kano State have an estimated worth of ₦16.01 billion.
- Holdings within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, are appraised at around ₦34.69 billion.
EFCC Files Money Laundering Charges
In a parallel legal action, the EFCC has instituted a 16-count charge against Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz Malami. The charges, filed before the court, border on allegations of money laundering.
The commission accuses the former minister and his son of committing offences that contravene Sections 15, 18, and 21 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. This formal charge sheet deepens the legal troubles for Malami, moving beyond asset seizure to direct criminal prosecution.
Public Reaction and Political Undertones
The EFCC's announcement of the court order on its official social media channels sparked widespread reactions from Nigerians, reflecting public sentiment on high-profile corruption cases.
Many commentators drew comparisons with other ongoing cases, such as that of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, questioning the pace and consistency of the anti-corruption fight. Some users expressed hope that the momentum seen in Malami's case would be replicated across the board, regardless of political affiliations.
Other reactions called for swift sentencing, criticizing the judicial process for being too lenient on individuals accused of monumental corruption. The sheer scale of the assets involved—₦212 billion from a former chief law officer—has intensified national discourse on accountability and wealth acquisition by public officials.
In a previous development, Malami had called for the recusal of the EFCC Chairman from his investigation, alleging political witch-hunting, particularly citing his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He urged the current Attorney General of the Federation to intervene in the matter.
The interim forfeiture order represents a major step in the EFCC's pursuit of the case. It prevents the disposal or alienation of the properties pending the determination of the substantive suit. The nation now watches as this high-stakes legal drama involving one of Nigeria's former top legal officials unfolds further in the courts.
