Abuja Court Orders Interim Forfeiture Of 57 Properties Linked To Former AGF Malami
The Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a significant blow to the former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, by ordering the interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to him. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order following an application by the EFCC, which cited reasonable suspicions that the multi-billion-naira real estate holdings are “proceeds of unlawful activity.” These extensive assets, spanning across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna, include luxury hotels, plazas, and residential estates.
The court’s decision temporarily vests control of these properties in the Federal Government, though the order was only made public via a Certified True Copy on Wednesday. Justice Nwite explicitly stated that the forfeiture is an interim measure, and the court has directed that the order be published in a national daily. This move serves as a formal invitation for any interested parties to “show cause” within 14 days as to why a final forfeiture order should not be issued.
The list of assets reveals a staggering portfolio of wealth acquired over several years, including a Maitama duplex valued at N5.95 billion and a hotel in Garki purchased for N7 billion. Other notable properties include the 53-room Meethaq Hotels in Jabi, valued at N8.4 billion, along with various shopping units in Vegas Mall and warehouses in Wuse Market. These acquisitions allegedly took place during Malami’s eight-year tenure under the previous administration.
This forfeiture is deeply intertwined with an ongoing criminal trial involving Malami, his wife, and his son, who are collectively facing a 16-count money laundering charge. The EFCC alleges that the family engaged in suspicious transactions totaling N8.7 billion, using various bank accounts and property deals to “conceal the origin of funds” derived from illegal acts. Specifically, the commission points to transactions occurring between 2015 and 2025.
One specific count in the charge alleges that Malami and his son directed a private company to conceal over N1 billion in a commercial bank account. The prosecution argues that these actions were in direct violation of the Money Laundering Prohibition and Prevention Acts. The court is expected to review a compliance report on the forfeiture later this month as the broader criminal case proceeds.
Despite the mounting legal pressure and the temporary seizure of his assets, Malami has maintained his innocence and “continually denied any wrongdoing” throughout the proceedings. The former minister asserts that his acquisitions were legitimate, setting the stage for a rigorous legal battle to reclaim the properties currently under government control.
As the case moves forward, the legal community is watching closely to see how the defense will challenge the “proceeds of unlawful activities” designation. Earlier on Wednesday, Malami was granted a N500 million bail bond, allowing him to remain out of custody while he prepares to contest both the criminal charges and the final forfeiture of his assets.
