A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties allegedly tied to Abubakar Malami, the ex-Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the ruling on Wednesday, granting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) application after Malami, his wife Nana Hadiza, his son Abdulaziz, and associated companies failed to convincingly demonstrate the legitimate origins of the funds used to acquire the assets. The judge emphasized that the core issue was not mere ownership, but the “reasonable suspicion” that the properties stemmed from unlawful activities.
The court dismissed multiple objections and motions filed by the respondents, describing them as lacking merit. Relying on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, Justice Abdulmalik vacated interim orders on certain assets while confirming the permanent forfeiture of the 48 properties. The EFCC had initially targeted 57 assets valued at approximately N212.8 billion.
This civil proceeding does not constitute a criminal conviction. However, Malami and his family continue to face separate charges involving the alleged illegitimate acquisition of funds.
The saga began in January when the EFCC secured an interim forfeiture order during the court’s vacation period, prompting public notices that drew the family’s legal pushback.
For a man who once occupied one of the nation’s highest legal offices, the development raises uncomfortable questions about accountability among the elite. Observers see the ruling as a bold statement by anti-graft agencies that no one is above scrutiny, even years after leaving power. Yet, with Malami’s storied career and influential network, many wonder what comes next—both for the forfeited empire and the man at its center.
