A Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a final forfeiture order on 48 properties connected to former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami on Wednesday.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the application from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The court ruled that Malami, his family members, and associated companies failed to prove lawful acquisition of the assets.
The EFCC first obtained an interim forfeiture order for 57 properties valued at around N212 billion to N213 billion. Officials linked the assets to suspected proceeds of unlawful activities. After hearings, Justice Abdulmalik ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties. The court spared nine others.
The forfeited properties include luxury hotels, duplexes, plazas, warehouses, sites for Rayhaan University, and an agro-allied factory. These assets sit in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states.
Malami and other respondents presented objections during proceedings. However, Justice Abdulmalik held that they did not sufficiently demonstrate legitimate sources of funds for the properties. The judge emphasized that the assets remained reasonably suspected as proceeds of crime.
The EFCC welcomed the ruling. Agency officials described it as a step toward recovering public assets. Malami has faced related criminal charges alongside his wife and son, though the forfeiture itself does not constitute a criminal conviction.
This decision marks another high-profile success for the EFCC in asset recovery cases. Authorities continue to investigate similar matters involving public officials. Legal experts note that affected parties may still pursue appeals in higher courts.
The ruling underscores ongoing efforts to tackle suspected corruption through civil forfeiture processes. As proceedings unfold, observers watch for further developments in connected cases.
