EFCC Moves To Forfeit 57 Properties Tied To Ex-AGF Malami

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to permanently forfeit 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to the Federal Government.

The anti-graft agency filed the request through a motion on notice, led by its legal team comprising Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) and Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. The motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026, names Malami alongside several individuals and companies as respondents, including Hajia Bashir Asabe, Abiru’ Rahman Abubakar Malami, Rayhaan Bustan, Agro Allied Ltd, Mountain View Gold and Jewellery Ltd, Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd, Azbir Arena Nigeria Ltd, Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Rayhaan University Ltd/GTE, Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, Zeenoor Hotels Ltd, Kawsar Ben of Brahim, Alhaji Muktaka Usman Junju, and Real Edge Agro Services Ltd.

According to the EFCC, the assets should be forfeited under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006, as they are “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.” Okutepa argued that the court has statutory authority to grant the forfeiture through non-conviction-based asset forfeiture proceedings and noted that an earlier interim forfeiture order published in a national newspaper on January 9, 2026, had not been sufficiently challenged.

In an affidavit supporting the motion, EFCC investigating officer Daniel Adebayo detailed the extensive probe conducted by the commission, which included consultations with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Code of Conduct Bureau, Abuja Geographical Information System, and several land registries. The investigation also involved site visits, asset valuations, and interviews with relevant individuals.

Adebayo stated that Malami’s lawful earnings between 2015 and 2023, including a salary of ₦89,664,000, severance allowance of ₦12,158,400, and travel allowances totaling ₦253,608,500, were disproportionate to the value of the properties under investigation. The EFCC further alleged that some properties were acquired through third-party individuals and companies, including entities linked to Rayhaan Group Ltd, and that several buildings in Kano and Kebbi states reportedly lacked building permits, suggesting attempts to conceal the origin of funds.

The properties under scrutiny are located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states, including temporary and permanent campuses of Rayhaan University in Kebbi. Justice Abdulmalik has scheduled the hearing for the motion seeking final forfeiture for April 21.

Previously, a sister court presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite had issued an interim ex parte forfeiture order on January 6, directing its publication in a national newspaper to allow interested parties 14 days to respond. The case was later reassigned to Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who recused himself, resulting in its transfer to Justice Abdulmalik. Meanwhile, Malami and other respondents have filed applications challenging the suit and seeking to vacate the interim forfeiture order.