Ex-AGF, others given 14 days to show assets were lawfully acquired as court grants N1.5bn bail
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and members of his family.
The properties, valued at about N213.23 billion, were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which invoked the Non-Conviction Based Asset Forfeiture provisions of the EFCC Establishment Act.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who made the order, however, granted Malami, his sons, Abdulaziz and Abiru-Rahman, and other interested parties 14 days to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited.
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The judge warned that failure to prove that the properties were lawfully acquired within the stipulated period could result in their final forfeiture to the Federal Government.
EFCC Lists Properties Across Four States
The order followed an ex parte motion moved by EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), who told the court that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
In granting the application, Justice Nwite directed that the interim forfeiture order be published in a national daily to enable any person or entity with an interest in the assets to approach the court within 14 days to contest the forfeiture.
EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Dele Oyewale, said the affected properties are located in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Kebbi states.
According to him, the assets include luxury residences, hotels, schools, shopping complexes, oil and gas facilities, farmlands and other commercial buildings.
Details of High-value Assets
Among the properties listed in the schedule are a luxury duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja, purchased in December 2022 for N500 million and reportedly enhanced in value to about N5.95 billion.
Others include a two-winged multi-storey building on Onitsha Crescent, Area 11, Garki, formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited, acquired in December 2018 for N7 billion; a five-storey hotel complex in Jabi District, now operating as Meethaq Hotels Ltd, with 53 rooms and an estimated value of N8.4 billion; and a hotel on Rhine Street, Maitama, bought in 2018 for N430 million and allegedly worth N12.95 billion after rehabilitation.
The list also features multiple properties in Asokoro District, commercial shops at Vegas Mall, Wuse 2, warehouse shops at Wuse Market, residential buildings in Gwarimpa, Apo Legislative Quarters and BUA Estate, as well as high-value residential and commercial properties in Nasarawa GRA, Kano.
Also listed are over 100 hectares of land along the Birnin Kebbi–Jega Road purchased in 2020 for N100 million and several residential estates, schools, bungalows and land assets allegedly acquired between 2023 and 2024 in Birnin Kebbi through proxies and corporate entities.
Bail Granted in N8.7bn Money Laundering Trial
The interim forfeiture order was made in the course of Malami’s ongoing trial over alleged money laundering involving about N8.7 billion.
Justice Nwite granted bail to Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and Hajia Bashir Asabe, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, who are standing trial on a 16-count charge filed by the EFCC.
The court granted each defendant bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be landed property owners in Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarimpa within the court’s jurisdiction, with their documents verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar.
The defendants were also ordered to deposit their international passports with the Deputy Chief Registrar and not to travel outside the country without the permission of the court.
Justice Nwite cautioned counsel and litigants against attempting to approach him for any favour, stressing that no one could influence the decision of his court. He adjourned the matter until February 17, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
