Court Orders Final Forfeiture of 48 Properties Linked to Abubakar Malami
A 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). The court ruled on July 15, 2026, that the properties, which are alleged to be proceeds of unlawful activities, be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Details of the Court Ruling
Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the judgment, granting the application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC had sought the final forfeiture of the properties, which include landed assets and buildings in several states, including Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna. The properties are valued at billions of naira.
The court had earlier issued an interim forfeiture order on the properties, which was published in a national newspaper to allow interested parties to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited. After reviewing the responses, the court found no valid claims to the properties and ordered their final forfeiture.
EFCC's Case and Evidence
The EFCC presented evidence that the properties were acquired through funds allegedly diverted from public coffers during Malami's tenure as Attorney-General. The commission argued that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of corruption and therefore liable to forfeiture under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.
According to the EFCC counsel, the properties were traced to Malami and his associates, including family members and proxies. The commission also provided bank records and property documents to support its case.
Malami's Response and Legal Battle
Abubakar Malami, who served as Attorney-General from 2015 to 2023, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His legal team argued that the properties were legitimately acquired and that the EFCC's case was politically motivated. However, the court dismissed these arguments, stating that the evidence presented by the EFCC was sufficient to warrant forfeiture.
Malami has vowed to appeal the ruling, describing it as a miscarriage of justice. In a statement, his spokesperson said the former minister remains confident that he will be vindicated by the appellate courts.
Impact and Reactions
The forfeiture order has sparked reactions from various quarters. Anti-corruption activists have hailed the ruling as a victory for the fight against corruption in Nigeria. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) described it as a landmark decision that sends a strong message that no one is above the law.
However, some legal experts have raised concerns about the speed of the forfeiture process, noting that the properties were forfeited without a full trial. The case is expected to generate further legal debates as it progresses through the appeals process.
The forfeited properties will now be managed by the Federal Government, which may auction them off or use them for public purposes. The EFCC has stated that it will continue to pursue other cases of alleged corruption involving former public officials.
