The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the permanent forfeiture of 48 properties connected to Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Presiding judge Joyce Abdulmalik approved the request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ruling that Malami and other claimants failed to provide evidence of legal acquisition.
Before issuing the final verdict, Justice Abdulmalik rejected various motions and objections submitted by Malami, his family, and associated firms, labeling them meritless. She emphasized that the primary concern was not ownership, but the legitimacy of the financial resources used to obtain the assets. The court concluded that the respondents did not counter the suspicion that these properties stemmed from illegal activity.
This ruling utilizes Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act. Originally, the EFCC sought the forfeiture of 57 properties worth N212.8 billion in January. While 48 properties were finalized for seizure, this civil action does not constitute a criminal conviction. Malami and his family members remain involved in separate legal proceedings regarding charges of illegitimate wealth accumulation.
