EFCC Begins Taking Over Malami’s ₦180.4bn Forfeited Assets
The EFCC has started taking possession of properties linked to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami after a Federal High Court forfeiture order.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun taking control of properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, after a Federal High Court ordered their final forfeiture.
The court ruled that Abubakar Malami and other claimants failed to prove that the assets were acquired through legitimate means. As a result, the commission is moving to recover properties valued at about ₦180.4 billion. The affected assets include hotels, residential buildings, shopping malls, corporate entities and a university located in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and Birnin Kebbi.
The EFCC had launched forfeiture proceedings in January, targeting 57 assets valued at more than ₦212 billion. The agency alleged the properties were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities during Malami’s time as Attorney-General between 2015 and 2023. However, the court excluded nine properties after ruling that the commission did not provide enough evidence to show they were illegally acquired.
During a visit to Zeenoor Hotels Limited in Kano, the hotel remained open for business despite the judgment. A staff member said, “All I can tell you is that we are still in operation. I cannot tell you anything more than that.”
A police officer stationed at the hotel added, “I was briefed at the station about the final forfeiture of the hotel to the Federal Government, and I was told that they are coming any moment from now to take over the facility.”
Meanwhile, a residential property at No. 9 Ahmadu Bello Way in Kano appeared deserted, with mobile police officers guarding the premises. Confirming the recovery process, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said, “Any affected properties not yet secured by the commission are currently being occupied illegally.” He added that the commission had already taken possession of the Kano residence and would continue recovering the remaining forfeited assets.
What impact could this high-profile asset recovery have on Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts?
