Malami Seeks Court Order to Reverse EFCC Interim Forfeiture of 57 Properties

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge an interim forfeiture order placed on properties seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Malami, in an application filed before the court, is asking that the order be set aside and the seized assets released. Although the detailed grounds of his request have not yet been made public, the former minister is contesting the legality of the interim forfeiture.

Justice Emeka Nwite had, on January 6, ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. The EFCC alleges that the assets, valued at about ₦213.23 billion, are linked to Malami and two of his sons, Abdulaziz and Abiru Rahman.

The anti-graft agency secured the interim order pending the conclusion of investigations into the source of funds used to acquire the properties, which it claims were obtained through illicit means.

The court has yet to fix a date for hearing Malami’s application.

Earlier, Justice Nwite directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, giving interested parties 14 days to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited. The matter was adjourned to January 27, 2026, for a compliance report.

Among the seized assets are a luxury duplex in Maitama valued at nearly ₦6 billion, former Harmonia Hotels buildings in Garki worth ₦7 billion, and Meethaq Hotels in Jabi and Maitama with a combined value exceeding ₦21 billion. Other properties include commercial plazas, warehouses, shops, and large landholdings spread across several states.

Meanwhile, Malami, his wife Bashir Asabe, and his son Abdulaziz are also facing trial before Justice Nwite over alleged ₦8.7 billion money laundering.

The court recently granted Malami bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with strict conditions including two sureties with landed property in Abuja, the surrender of his travel documents, and restrictions on leaving the country without court approval.

Justice Nwite has fixed February 17 for the commencement of trial on the 16-count money laundering charge filed by the EFCC.

The interim forfeiture remains one of the largest asset seizures linked to a former federal minister, underscoring ongoing efforts by the EFCC to recover suspected illicit wealth.