Malami moves to block EFCC forfeiture of over 50 properties

Former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has filed a 40-page affidavit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging attempts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to permanently forfeit more than 50 properties linked to him, his family, and several companies.

The properties, reportedly spread across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi, include residential buildings, hotels, schools, factories, and parcels of land. The EFCC had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order on January 6, 2026, which temporarily placed the assets under its control after alleging they were proceeds of unlawful activity.

In his response, Malami strongly denied the allegations, insisting there is no prima facie evidence linking the properties to any wrongdoing. He maintained that all assets were lawfully acquired and properly declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau long before the EFCC’s action.

He also accused the anti-graft agency of inflating property valuations and attempting to mislead the court. In addition, he alleged that his family was evicted from six Abuja properties on March 24, 2026, without a final forfeiture order, and claimed that key title documents were seized during his 25-day detention in December 2025.

The EFCC, in its earlier filings, had argued that the assets were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and sought a final forfeiture order covering the properties.

With both sides presenting sharply opposing claims, Justice Emeka Nwite is expected to fix a date for a hearing to determine whether the interim order should be lifted or made final.

For now, the disputed properties remain under EFCC control as the legal battle continues.

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