Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has moved to halt the permanent forfeiture of over 50 properties linked to him, his family, and associated companies, filing a detailed 40-page affidavit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The action follows an interim forfeiture order granted by Emeka Nwite on January 6, 2026, after an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The order temporarily placed the assets—ranging from houses and hotels to schools and land in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi—under the commission’s control.
In its application, the EFCC had argued that the properties were “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.” However, Malami, through his affidavit, strongly disputed the claim, insisting there was no prima facie evidence to support the allegation.
To back his position, the former minister outlined a total of N15.5 billion in lawful income accrued between 2015 and 2023. The breakdown includes N374.6 million in salaries and allowances during his tenure as AGF, N10.01 billion from business activities, N3.52 billion in bank loans, N958 million received as wedding gifts, and N509.8 million generated from two book launches.
Malami further accused the EFCC of inflating the value of his assets to mislead the court. He cited a Maitama duplex allegedly valued at N5.95 billion by the commission but purchased for N500 million. He also challenged the N56 billion valuation placed on the permanent site of Rayhaan University, presenting documents showing it was acquired for N150 million, alongside an independent valuation report.
The former AGF stated that he had consistently declared his assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau, submitting forms from 2015, 2019, and 2023 as evidence that the properties were on record prior to the EFCC’s investigation. He added that several of the assets in question were acquired before he assumed office in 2015.
In a more personal claim, Malami alleged that armed EFCC operatives evicted his family from six Abuja properties on March 24, 2026, despite the absence of a final forfeiture order. He said his wives and children were forced out, while property documents were seized during his detention in December 2025.
He also disclosed that the interim forfeiture order had begun affecting his business interests, noting that NEXIM Bank had recalled a N1.122 billion loan facility, while additional financial liabilities were mounting.
Addressing the criminal charges linked to the case, Malami noted that he had pleaded not guilty and stressed that the allegations remain unproven in court.
His lead counsel, J. B. Daudu, described the interim forfeiture order as speculative, maintaining that it lacked evidentiary backing.
The court is expected to fix a date to determine whether the interim forfeiture order will be upheld or set aside. Until then, the disputed assets remain in EFCC custody.
Malami Battles EFCC, Details N15.5bn Earnings to Stop Asset Forfeiture
