Table of Contents
Federal High Court Orders Interim Seizure of 57 Properties Linked to Ex-Minister Abubakar Malami
Judicial Action Targets Multi-Billion Naira Assets Across Multiple States
The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim forfeiture order on 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of illicit activities connected to Abubakar Malami, the former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation. This decisive ruling follows an ex parte application submitted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.
These assets, valued in the billions of naira, are strategically located in key Nigerian states including Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna. The court’s directive aims to prevent any transfer or disposal of these properties pending further investigation.
Details of the Court’s Ruling and Next Steps
Justice Emeka Nwite pronounced the interim forfeiture, stating: “This honourable court hereby orders the temporary forfeiture of the properties listed in Schedule 1 to the Federal Government of Nigeria, as they are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful conduct.”
In addition, the judge mandated the publication of the forfeiture order in a national newspaper, inviting any party with a legitimate claim to the assets to present their case within 14 days. The court has scheduled a compliance report hearing for January 27, 2025, to review progress on the matter.
Scope and Nature of the Seized Properties
The confiscated assets encompass a diverse portfolio, including luxury duplexes, hotels, commercial plazas, warehouses, retail outlets, expansive land parcels, and residential buildings situated in prestigious neighborhoods such as Maitama, Asokoro, Jabi, Wuse, Gwarimpa, Birnin Kebbi, and various locations in Kano and Kaduna. Many of these properties were reportedly acquired between 2015 and 2025, with some appreciating to values in the billions of naira following significant development.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Allegations
Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe and son Abubakar Abdulaziz, is currently facing trial before Justice Nwite. They are charged in connection with an alleged ₦8.7 billion money laundering scheme, as outlined in case number FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025.
The EFCC accuses the defendants of conspiring to conceal the illicit origin of funds, indirectly acquiring properties, and retaining assets derived from criminal activities. These actions are said to contravene the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 and 2022.
According to the anti-corruption agency, the alleged offenses occurred during Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. The EFCC further claims that billions of naira were funneled through various bank accounts and real estate transactions in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi to obscure the true source of the funds.
Context and Broader Implications
This case highlights ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to clamp down on corruption and illicit enrichment among public officials. Recent statistics from Transparency International indicate that Nigeria ranks 150th out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index, underscoring the critical need for stringent enforcement measures.
Similar high-profile asset forfeiture cases have been instrumental in recovering stolen public funds and deterring corrupt practices. For instance, in 2023, the EFCC successfully reclaimed over ₦15 billion in assets linked to former government officials, signaling a growing commitment to transparency and accountability.
