By Peace Udugba
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a final court order forfeiting 48 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to the Federal Government.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered the judgment on Wednesday, ruling that the EFCC had established that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and were not acquired from legitimate sources of income.
PHOTO PAGE: Some of the Properties Forfeited in the Malami-Linked Assets Case
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Among the high-profile assets forfeited are Rayhaan University in Kebbi State, including its permanent and temporary campuses, the Vice Chancellor’s residence and a third site, as well as Rayhaan Radio located along the Sani Abacha Bypass in Birnin Kebbi.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of several luxury properties in Abuja, Kano and Kebbi States, including hotels, residential estates, commercial plazas, warehouses, filling stations, farmlands and other business assets.
PHOTO PAGE: Some of the Properties Forfeited in the Malami-Linked Assets Case
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Other major assets affected include the Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory, Azbir Arena, Zeennoor Hotel in Kano, Al-Afiya Energy tanker garage, Amasdul Oil and Gas filling station, and numerous residential and commercial buildings spread across the Federal Capital Territory and other states.
The ruling followed an interim forfeiture order granted on January 6, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite after an ex parte application by the EFCC. The commission subsequently published the order in national newspapers, inviting interested parties to challenge the forfeiture.
PHOTO PAGE: Some of the Properties Forfeited in the Malami-Linked Assets Case.
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Malami and 14 other respondents, including members of his family and associates, opposed the application, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction and asking it to set aside the interim order.
However, Justice Abdulmalik held that the respondents failed to provide credible evidence showing that the properties were acquired with lawfully earned income.
The court ruled that merely claiming ownership was insufficient in non-conviction-based forfeiture proceedings, stressing that the respondents failed to discharge the legal burden of proving the legitimate sources of funds used to acquire the assets.
The EFCC welcomed the judgment as a major victory in its anti-corruption campaign and the recovery of assets for the Federal Government.
