247
By Oscar Okhifo,
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties valued at about ₦213 billion and allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and two of his sons, following an ex-parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the application on Wednesday.
In his ruling, he said,
“It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is hereby made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties described in Schedule One below, which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.”
The judge said the properties, estimated at ₦213.2 billion, are located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna States and include luxury residences, hotels, schools, filling stations, warehouses, plazas, shops, factories and large parcels of land.
Justice Nwite also directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper to allow any interested party to challenge it.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is hereby directed to publish this interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper to enable any interested person to show cause within 14 days why the properties should not be permanently forfeited.”
Confirming the seizure, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said,
“The properties are valued at about ₦213.2 billion and include luxury residences, hotels, schools, filling stations, warehouses, plazas, shops, factories and extensive landholdings.”
Among the properties listed by the court are a luxury duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama, valued at ₦5.95 billion after enhancement; two large storey buildings in Garki, Abuja, formerly Harmonia Hotels, valued at ₦7 billion; and Meethaq Hotels in Jabi and Maitama, with a combined estimated value exceeding ₦21 billion.
Other assets include shops and warehouse facilities in Wuse II and Wuse Market, residential buildings in Asokoro, Gwarimpa and Apo Legislative Quarters, as well as extensive landholdings and residential properties in Kano, Kebbi and Kaduna States.
Malami, his wife, Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, are facing trial before the same court over alleged ₦8.7 billion money laundering offences.
On Wednesday, Justice Nwite granted Malami bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties required to provide landed properties in Maitama, Asokoro or Gwarimpa. He warned,
“Failure to meet the bail requirements will result in their continued remand in the Kuje Correctional Centre.”
Malami is also required to deposit his travel documents with the court and is prohibited from leaving the country without judicial approval.
Justice Nwite has scheduled the commencement of trial for February 17, 2026, on the 16-count money laundering charge filed by the EFCC against Malami, his son, and his wife.