Malami Rejects 48-Property Forfeiture, Heads To Appeal Court

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has announced plans to challenge the Federal High Court judgment in Abuja ordering the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to him.

According to Ireporter Online, the decision followed the approval of an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which sought the permanent forfeiture of the assets.

In its ruling, the court held that Malami and other claimants failed to provide sufficient evidence proving that the properties were acquired through legitimate means. The court further stated that the claimants did not successfully dispel the allegation that the assets were proceeds of unlawful activities.

Reacting to the judgment in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami said he disagreed with aspects of the court’s decision and had instructed his legal team to immediately file an appeal before the Court of Appeal.

The former minister maintained that the Federal High Court’s ruling did not represent the final determination of the matter, stressing that the appellate process exists to allow contested legal and factual issues to receive further judicial scrutiny.

He disclosed that his lawyers had already been directed to commence the appeal process without delay, expressing confidence that the appellate court would carefully examine the issues raised and deliver a fair and just verdict.

Malami reaffirmed his respect for the judiciary, the Constitution, and the rule of law, while emphasizing that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to challenge a court judgment through the appropriate legal channels.

He urged members of the public and the media to refrain from drawing conclusions while the appeal remains pending, insisting that the judicial process should be allowed to run its full course before any final determination is made regarding the ownership and source of the properties.

The former Attorney-General further stated that exercising his constitutional right to seek redress at the appellate court should not be misconstrued as a sign of disrespect for the Federal High Court.

Malami also expressed appreciation to the people of Kebbi State and Nigerians who have continued to support and pray for him since the commencement of the case. He assured them that the court’s judgment would not diminish his commitment to public service and called on his supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and patient as his legal team pursues the appeal, while encouraging all parties to respect the judicial process and await the final outcome.