The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed for the permanent forfeiture of 57 high-value properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
Lead Counsel to the EFCC, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) and Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), moved the motion on Friday seeking the final forfeiture of the properties.
The arguments
To backup the motion, the prosecution argued that since the interim forfeiture order was published on January 9, 2026, the respondents have shown no sufficient cause to stop the final seizure.
They also informed the court that the case is a “non-conviction-based forfeiture” under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act.
The affidavit by the anti-graft agency revealed that Malami’s total lawful earnings (salaries, allowances, and estacodes) between 2015 and 2023 amounted to approximately ₦355.3 million—a figure the agency argues is “grossly disproportionate” to the multi-billion naira property empire.
Investigators also allege that Malami used third-party individuals and entities, such as the Rayhaan Group, to mask the origin of the funds used for these acquisitions.
The Defence
Malami’s defense, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, vigorously challenged the proceedings. They urged the court to begin the trial de novo (afresh), citing developments in related criminal charges.
However, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rejected the request, ruling that forfeiture proceedings are distinct from criminal trials and that the existing interim order remains valid.
The former AG maintains that his assets were legitimately acquired and properly declared in his Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) forms.
He also attributed a part of his wealth to “business turnover” and “traditional gifts.”
What next?
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to April 21, 2026, for the consolidated hearing of the EFCC’s motion for final forfeiture and over 25 other applications filed by interested parties claiming ownership of some of the assets.