Abuja, Nigeria – In a major development in the ongoing anti-corruption probe involving former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), a Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim forfeiture order on 57 high-value properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. The properties, valued at approximately ₦213.2 billion, are spread across Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Kebbi states.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court delivered the ruling on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, following an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The application was moved by the Commission's counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), who argued that the assets were reasonably suspected to have been acquired through illicit means during Malami's tenure in office.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite stated: “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 1 below, which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.” The judge directed the EFCC to publish the forfeiture notice in a national newspaper, giving any interested parties 14 days to appear and show cause why the properties should not be finally forfeited to the federal government. The matter was adjourned to January 27, 2026, for a compliance report.
The listed assets include luxury duplexes, hotels, shopping plazas, warehouses, residential buildings, and vast hectares of undeveloped land in premium locations such as Maitama, Asokoro, Jabi, Wuse, and Gwarimpa in Abuja; Birnin Kebbi in Kebbi State; and select areas in Kano and Kaduna. Many of these properties were allegedly acquired or significantly enhanced between 2015 and 2025, with some individual assets running into billions of naira in value.
This interim forfeiture order comes amid a separate criminal trial involving Malami, his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami. The trio, along with others, are facing a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering involving ₦8.7 billion. The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, accuses them of conspiracy to conceal the unlawful origin of funds, indirect acquisition of properties, and retention of proceeds from criminal activities, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 and 2022.
The EFCC alleges that the offences occurred during Malami's time as AGF under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, with billions of naira allegedly funneled through bank accounts and used for property acquisitions in an effort to disguise their sources. Malami served as Nigeria's chief law officer from 2015 to 2023, a period marked by several high-profile corruption cases handled by his ministry.
The defendants were arraigned on December 30, 2025, and initially remanded in custody before being granted bail on January 7, 2026 – the same day as the forfeiture ruling. Justice Nwite admitted each of the three family members to bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with stringent conditions including the provision of sureties and surrender of travel documents. The judge also warned parties against any attempts to interfere with the proceedings, emphasizing judicial independence.
The EFCC's investigation into Malami's affairs gained momentum in late 2025, with the former minister detained for several weeks before his arraignment. Reports indicate that the probe uncovered extensive property holdings, prompting the forfeiture application as a civil recovery measure parallel to the criminal prosecution.
Legal experts note that interim forfeiture orders under Nigeria's anti-money laundering laws allow the government to temporarily seize suspected illicit assets while investigations continue, preventing dissipation. Interested parties, including the affected individuals, can challenge the order by providing evidence of legitimate acquisition.
Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Kebbi State, has previously denied wrongdoing, describing earlier aspects of the probe as politically motivated. Neither Malami nor his legal team has issued a public response to the latest court order as of January 8, 2026.
This case underscores the EFCC's renewed vigor in pursuing high-profile corruption allegations, particularly those involving public officials from previous administrations. It also highlights the use of asset forfeiture as a tool to recover alleged illicit wealth, separate from criminal convictions.
The interim order does not constitute a final determination of guilt or ownership, and the properties remain under government control pending further hearings. The adjourned date of January 27, 2026, will likely see submissions from any claimants challenging the forfeiture.
As Nigeria continues its fight against corruption, this development adds to a series of actions against former top officials, signaling accountability across political divides.
