Former Attorney-General of the Federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to set aside an interim forfeiture order on properties seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
DAILY POST reports that Justice Emeka Nwite had, on January 6, ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. The EFCC alleged that the assets, valued at about N213.23 billion, are linked to Malami and two of his sons.
The anti-graft agency obtained the interim order pending the conclusion of investigations into the source of funds used to acquire the properties, which it claims were illegally obtained.
In an application before the court, Malami challenged the forfeiture and asked the court to vacate the order.
The grounds for the application were not disclosed.
The court has not fixed a date to hear the matter.
Earlier, the court directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, giving interested parties 14 days to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited.
The matter was adjourned to January 27, 2026, for a compliance report.
Some of the properties listed by the EFCC include luxury residences and hotels in Maitama, Asokoro, Jabi and Garki areas of Abuja, as well as commercial properties and land in Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states.
Meanwhile, Malami, his wife, Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abdulaziz, are standing trial before Justice Nwite over alleged N8.7 billion money laundering.
On Wednesday, the court granted Malami bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties.
The court fixed February 17 for the commencement of trial on the 16-count charge filed by the EFCC.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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