January 08, (THEWILL) — A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties valued at approximately ₦213.2 billion, allegedly linked to a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and two of his sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru-Rahman Malami.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and argued by its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN).
The properties, which the EFCC states are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, are located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States.
The portfolio includes luxury residential buildings, hotels, plazas, filling stations, schools, warehouses, agro-allied facilities, and vast parcels of land.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite held: “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 court also directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national daily newspaper, inviting any person or organisation with an interest in the affected assets to show cause within 14 days why a final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to January 27, 2026, for a report of compliance. Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and Hajia Bashir Asabe are currently standing trial before the same court over an alleged ₦8.7 billion money laundering charge.
Among the properties listed for interim forfeiture are luxury duplexes and terraces in the Maitama and Asokoro districts of Abuja; hotel facilities in Jabi and Maitama operating under Meethaq Hotels Limited; and residential buildings in Gwarimpa, Apo Legislative Quarters, and Wuse II.
Notable assets also include the Rayhaan University buildings and the Azbir Hotel in Kebbi State, as well as the Zeennoor Hotel in Kano, valued at ₦11.2 billion.
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