Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN. The ruling, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, was granted to the Federal Government following an ex-parte application by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, on grounds that the properties are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The affected assets span multiple states, including Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna, and encompass a diverse portfolio of luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality properties. Notable among these are a N5.95 billion duplex in Maitama, a two-winged building in Garki formerly operated as Harmonia Hotels, and Meethaq Hotels Ltd located in Jabi and Maitama. The portfolio also includes terraces in Asokoro, residential units in Gwarimpa, Apo Legislative Quarters, and Wuse II, as well as commercial outlets in Wuse Market, Vegas Mall, and Shariff Plaza.
Justice Nwite directed that the interim forfeiture order be published in a national newspaper, inviting any interested party with claims or objections to contest the order within 14 days. The court further adjourned the case to later in January for a submission of a compliance report regarding the enforcement of the forfeiture.
The forfeiture proceedings run concurrently with a criminal trial against Malami, his wife Bashir Asabe, and son Abubakar Abdulaziz, who are facing N8.7 billion money laundering charges. The EFCC alleges that the family engaged in a series of suspicious financial transactions and property acquisitions between 2015 and 2025 with the intent of concealing illicit funds. One count accuses Malami and his son of concealing over N1 billion through Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited between 2022 and 2025.
The interim forfeiture order places the 57 properties under government control pending the final determination of the case. EFCC has emphasized that the measure is precautionary, ensuring that the suspected proceeds of crime are preserved while investigations and legal proceedings continue.
Malami continues to deny any wrongdoing. In the ongoing criminal proceedings, he was recently granted bail set at N500 million. Legal observers note that the parallel civil and criminal proceedings reflect a strategic approach by the EFCC to secure assets potentially linked to alleged financial crimes while pursuing formal prosecution.
This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing legal scrutiny of one of Nigeria’s most prominent former government officials. The case highlights broader concerns regarding alleged illicit accumulation of wealth by public officers and the use of the judiciary to safeguard suspected proceeds of crime.
Observers are closely watching the case, noting that any challenge to the interim forfeiture order will be closely contested, given the high-profile nature of the properties involved and the political prominence of Malami. The court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s willingness to act on credible suspicions of financial misconduct, even at the upper echelons of government.
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