A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued a significant order for the interim seizure of 57 high-value properties, collectively estimated to be worth a staggering N213 billion. These assets are suspected to be the proceeds of unlawful activities and are linked to Abubakar Malami, the immediate-past Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation.
Court Grants EFCC's Ex Parte Application
The order was granted by Justice Emeka Nwite following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft agency was represented in court by its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN. In his ruling, Justice Nwite stated that the properties are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and are therefore forfeited on an interim basis to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The judge mandated the publication of the forfeiture order in a national newspaper. This publication will serve as a notice, calling upon any person or entity with an interest in the listed assets to appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why a final order of forfeiture should not be made. The case has been adjourned to January 37, 2026 for a report on compliance.
Nationwide Spread of Luxury Assets
The properties subject to the interim forfeiture order are described as multi-billion naira assets spread across several states. The locations include high-brow areas in the Federal Capital Territory as well as key northern states.
The extensive portfolio includes:
- Luxury duplexes and residential buildings in premium Abuja districts like Maitama, Asokoro, Jabi, Wuse, and Gwarimpa.
- Commercial properties such as hotels, plazas, shopping units, and warehouses.
- Vast hectares of land and other buildings in Birnin Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna.
Investigations reveal that several of these properties were allegedly acquired between 2015 and 2025, with their values significantly enhanced, placing some in the billion-naira range individually.
Ongoing Money Laundering Trial
This interim forfeiture order is separate from but related to an ongoing criminal prosecution. Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe and his son Abubakar Abdulaziz, is currently standing trial before the same judge, Justice Nwite.
They are facing trial over an alleged ₦8.7 billion money laundering case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025. The EFCC's charges accuse the defendants of conspiracy, concealing the unlawful origin of funds, and indirectly acquiring properties with proceeds derived from criminal activities. These alleged acts are said to contravene the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 and 2022.
The anti-graft agency specifically alleges that the offences were committed during Malami's tenure as the nation's chief law officer under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The EFCC claims that billions of naira were moved through various bank accounts and converted into property acquisitions in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi states in an attempt to disguise their illicit source.
This court order represents a major development in the EFCC's pursuit of high-profile assets suspected to be linked to corruption, sending a strong message about the accountability of public officials.
