ABUJA – A scheduled hearing on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) report of compliance regarding the interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, could not proceed on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who ordered the interim forfeiture on January 6, 2026, had directed that the properties spanning Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States – be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government. The properties include luxury duplexes, multi-storey buildings, hotels, commercial plazas, university campuses, agro-allied factories, and warehouses, with values running into tens of billions of naira.
The interim forfeiture was granted following an ex parte motion by EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, and publication of the order in national dailies, allowing any interested party 14 days to contest the forfeiture.
The matter, adjourned for a report of compliance, was not listed on Tuesday’s cause list. EFCC lead counsel, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, informed the court, but Justice Nwite explained that cases scheduled during court vacation are reassigned by the Chief Judge upon resumption. He advised the EFCC to pursue administrative measures to have the case reassigned.
The EFCC alleges that Malami, while in office between 2015 and 2023, indirectly acquired the properties through personal enterprises, front companies, and third-party entities, including the Rayhaan Group Ltd, using funds “reasonably suspected to have been derived from unlawful activities.”
Investigation efforts included verification of financial records, asset declarations, corporate and tax documents, site inspections, and interviews with relevant parties. Malami reportedly declared total assets of N41 million in 2020, with a monthly net income of N397,000, while receiving official salaries, severance, and estacode allowances totaling N89,664,000 and N253,608,500 respectively between 2015 and 2023.
The EFCC also noted that some of the properties lacked proper construction permits and were acquired indirectly via Malami’s private business interests.
The matter remains pending administrative reassignment by the Chief Judge before substantive proceedings on the final forfeiture of the assets can continue.
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