EFCC Seeks Final Forfeiture of 57 Properties Allegedly Linked to Ex‑AGF Abubakar Malami
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to order the permanent forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly traced to former Attorney‑General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to the federal government.
In a motion on notice, EFCC counsel Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, and Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, argued before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the respondents failed to provide sufficient evidence to vacate the interim forfeiture order earlier granted.
Malami, his family members, and several companies linked to him were listed as respondents in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026. The commission contends that the assets, located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States, are disproportionate to Malami’s lawful earnings during his tenure as AGF between 2015 and 2023.
An EFCC investigator, Daniel Adebayo, deposed that Malami’s declared income—including salaries, allowances, estacodes, and severance benefits—did not justify the acquisition of the multi‑billion naira properties. He further alleged that many of the structures lacked building approvals and were acquired through front companies under Malami’s control.
Justice Abdulmalik fixed April 21 for hearing of the application. The matter follows an earlier interim forfeiture order granted by Justice Emeka Nwite in January, which directed EFCC to publish notice for interested parties to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited.
Malami and other respondents have challenged the suit, urging the court to vacate the forfeiture order.
