The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 out of 57 properties worth about ₦212 billion linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) application for final forfeiture, dismissing objections filed by Malami, members of his family and several companies claiming ownership of the assets.
In her ruling, the judge held that the central issue before the court was not the identity of the owners but whether the funds used to acquire the properties were legitimately obtained.
“The issue before the court is not who owns the property, but how legitimate are the funds used to acquire the properties,” Justice Abdulmalik ruled.
The forfeited assets are spread across the Federal Capital Territory, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states and include luxury hotels, residential estates, duplexes, plazas, shopping units, warehouses, educational institutions, industrial facilities and commercial properties.
Among the properties are luxury duplexes in Maitama and Asokoro, the Meethaq Hotels in Maitama and Jabi, Harmonia Hotels in Garki, shopping units in Wuse II and Vegas Mall, warehouses in Wuse Market, residential properties in Gwarimpa, Apo Legislative Quarters, Kano, Kaduna and Birnin Kebbi, as well as 100 hectares of land along the Birnin Kebbi-Jega Road.
Also affected are major investments linked to Rayhaan University in Kebbi, including its permanent, temporary and third campuses, the Vice-Chancellor’s residence, as well as the Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory, factory buildings, machinery, staff quarters, mosque and other facilities.
The forfeiture order further covers assets under the Azbir Arena project, including the Azbir Hotel, printing press, gallery, gardens, mosque, clothing outlet and pharmacy/supermarket.
Other properties include the Rayhaan Model Academy, Rayhaan Primary and Secondary School, Rayhaan Radio, Al-Afiya Energy Tanker Garage, an uncompleted commercial plaza, an oil and gas filling station, buildings belonging to the Malami Support Organisation and ADC Kadi Malami Foundation, residential properties allegedly linked to Malami and his sons in Birnin Kebbi, and hospitality investments in Kano, including Zeennoor Hotel, Rayhaan Hotel and Rayhaan Gym.
The EFCC had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order covering all 57 properties. Following Wednesday’s judgment, 48 of the assets have now been permanently forfeited to the Federal Government, while the remaining nine were not covered by the final forfeiture order.
The anti-graft agency had argued that the properties were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities, while Malami and other claimants opposed the forfeiture, insisting they were lawfully acquired. However, the court held that the objections lacked merit and granted the EFCC’s application in favour of the Federal Government.