A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties valued at N213.2 billion, marking one of the country’s most significant asset recovery actions in recent years and reigniting debate over public accountability, corruption and the management of public resources.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Tuesday after granting an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The properties are alleged to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and two of his sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru-Rahman Malami.
The assets, spread across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states, include hotels, schools, university buildings, filling stations, commercial plazas, factories, warehouses, residential estates and large expanses of land. Together, they are estimated to be worth more than N213 billion.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that the properties were reasonably suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities and ordered their temporary forfeiture to the Federal Government. He also directed that the order be published in a national newspaper, giving any individual or organisation claiming ownership or interest in the assets 14 days to appear before the court and show why a final forfeiture order should not be granted. The matter was adjourned to January 27, 2026, for a compliance report.
Among the high-value assets listed are luxury hotels in Maitama and Jabi, upscale residential properties in Maitama, Asokoro and Gwarimpa, commercial buildings in Kano, shopping outlets in Abuja’s Wuse District, and agricultural and industrial facilities in Kebbi State.
The court action comes as Malami, his wife, Bashir Asabe, and one of his sons, Abubakar Abdulaziz, are already standing trial before the same court over an alleged N8.7 billion money laundering case. The defendants have denied wrongdoing, while the criminal proceedings remain before the court.
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