Court orders forfeiture of 48 properties linked to Malami
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to the Federal Government. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) demonstrated reasonable suspicion regarding the source of funds used to acquire the assets. The court stated that the case was about the legitimacy of the funds, not ownership. The EFCC listed the properties, which span several states and include hotels, schools, and other assets.
What we know
- The court ordered the final forfeiture of 48 out of 57 properties linked to Abubakar Malami (SAN) and his associates.
- Justice Joyce Abdulmalik found that the EFCC had established reasonable suspicion that the assets were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.
- The EFCC had previously obtained an interim forfeiture order from Justice Emeka Nwite.
- The properties are valued at about N213.2 billion and are located in the Federal Capital Territory, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states.
- The assets include luxury homes, hotels, commercial plazas, schools, factories, filling stations, and large parcels of land.
