A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties valued at N213.23 billion, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and two of his sons.
Justice Emeka Nwite made the order on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and moved by its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.
The properties, which include hotels, schools, filling stations, shopping plazas, warehouses, factories and extensive landed assets, are located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna States.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that the assets were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and ordered their interim forfeiture to the Federal Government. He further directed that the forfeiture order be published in a national daily, inviting any interested persons or organisations to show cause within 14 days why a final forfeiture order should not be granted.
The judge adjourned the matter to January 27, 2026, for a report on compliance with the court’s directives.
Among the high-value properties listed in the schedule are luxury duplexes and hotels in Maitama, Asokoro, Jabi, Wuse II and Garki areas of Abuja; commercial and residential properties in Kano and Kaduna; as well as large tracts of land and residential estates in Birnin Kebbi. Several of the properties reportedly appreciated significantly in value after acquisition.
Malami, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, are also facing a separate N8.7 billion money laundering charge before the same court.
The EFCC stated that the interim forfeiture is part of ongoing efforts to recover assets believed to have been acquired with proceeds of corruption, pending the determination of the substantive case.
