A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued an interim order for the forfeiture of 57 high-value properties to the Federal Government. The assets, with an estimated worth of N213.2 billion, are allegedly connected 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 Order and EFCC Application
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The commission's counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, presented the application seeking the temporary seizure of the properties, which are suspected to be the proceeds of unlawful activities.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite stated, "It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is hereby made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties described in Schedule 1 below which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities." The judge further directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper, giving any interested party 14 days to contest the forfeiture. The case has been adjourned to January 27, 2026, for a report on compliance.
Extensive Portfolio of Seized Assets
The forfeited properties span the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as well as Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States. They represent a vast portfolio of luxury and commercial real estate. Key assets listed in the court schedule include:
- A luxury duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja, initially bought for N500 million but now valued at N5.95 billion after enhancements.
- The former Harmonia Hotels, a two-winged large storey building in Garki, Abuja, purchased for N7 billion.
- Meethaq Hotels located in Jabi and Maitama, Abuja, with a combined current value exceeding N21 billion.
- Multiple plots of land, commercial plazas, shopping complexes, warehouse facilities, filling stations, and residential buildings across the mentioned states.
Other notable properties are shops in Vegas Mall, Wuse 2, a four-bedroom bungalow in Gesse Phase, Birnin Kebbi, and a twin house in the Apo Legislative Quarters, Gudu, Abuja.
Ongoing Money Laundering Trial
This interim forfeiture order is separate from an ongoing criminal prosecution against Malami. The former minister, along with his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz, is already standing trial before the same Justice Nwite. They face a 16-count charge of money laundering involving N8.7 billion, filed by the EFCC.
In a related development, the court granted Malami bail on Wednesday in the sum of N500 million. The bail conditions require two sureties who own landed property in highbrow areas like Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarimpa. Malami must also surrender his travel documents to the court and seek permission before leaving the country. The trial on the corruption charges is set to commence on February 17, 2026.
This case marks one of the most significant asset recovery actions by the EFCC against a former high-ranking federal official. The scale and value of the properties involved underscore the commission's intensified drive to trace and reclaim wealth suspected to have been acquired illegally.
