A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, valued at roughly ₦180.4 billion, to the Federal Government.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that Malami, his family, and companies including Rayhaan University, Meethaq Hotels, and Harmonia Hotels failed to prove the assets were lawfully acquired, dismissing multiple objections as lacking merit. “The issue before the court is not who owns the property, but how legitimate the funds used to acquire the properties are,” she said, noting Malami earned just ₦89.7 million in salary and ₦12 million in severance during his 2015–2023 tenure as minister, far below the value of assets tied to him.
The EFCC had sought forfeiture of 57 properties worth ₦212.8 billion; the court released 9, valued at ₦28.7 billion, ruling the agency failed to prove those were illicitly acquired, including three schools and family residences in Kebbi.
The civil forfeiture doesn’t constitute a criminal conviction. Malami, his wife and son separately face trial on ₦8.7 billion money laundering charges.
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