EFCC urged Abuja’s Federal High Court for permanent forfeiture of 57 properties. These assets link directly to ex-AGF Abubakar Malami (SAN), fueling corruption recovery efforts.
The move targets alleged illicit gains from his Justice Minister tenure. Commission seeks federal ownership, aiming to reclaim public funds through decisive judicial action.
EFCC Motion: Okutepa, Iheanacho Seek Malami Forfeiture
The anti-graft agency made the request through a motion on notice filed by its legal team led by Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) and Ekele Iheanacho (SAN) before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
The motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026, lists Abubakar Malami alongside several individuals and companies as respondents in the suit.
EFCC listed Hajia Bashir Asabe, Abiru’ Rahman Abubakar Malami, and Rayhaan Bustan among 57 properties’ owners. These tie back to ex-AGF Malami’s alleged network.
Agro Allied Ltd, Mountain View Gold and Jewellery Ltd, plus Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd face forfeiture. Azoir Arena Nigeria Ltd joins the corruption-linked assets.
Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Rayhaan University Ltd/GTE, Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, Zeenoor Hotels Ltd targeted next. Kawsar Ben of Brahim, Alhaji Muktaka Usman Junju, Real Edge complete EFCC’s roster.
EFCC Invokes Fraud Act for Malami Assets Forfeiture
The EFCC said the assets should be forfeited under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006, describing them as “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.”
Okutepa argued that the court has the statutory authority to grant the forfeiture under non-conviction-based asset forfeiture proceedings.
He also noted that an earlier interim forfeiture order, published in ThisDay newspaper on January 9, 2026, had not been challenged with sufficient evidence.
EFCC Officer Adebayo Details Malami Probe Affidavit
In an affidavit supporting the motion, Daniel Adebayo, an EFCC investigating officer, outlined the extensive investigation conducted by the commission.
EFCC’s probe into Malami’s assets spanned multiple agencies for thorough verification. Corporate Affairs Commission first confirmed company registrations tied to suspects and proxies.
Federal Inland Revenue Service provided tax records, exposing hidden ownership trails. Code of Conduct Bureau revealed asset declarations clashing with lavish property holdings.
Abuja Geographical Information System and land registries supplied title documents. This web of inquiries solidified EFCC’s case for permanent federal forfeiture now.
EFCC Probe: Site Visits, Valuations, Key Interviews
The investigation also included site visits, asset valuation exercises, and interviews with relevant individuals.
Adebayo said Malami’s lawful earnings between 2015 and 2023 included a salary of #$89,664,000, severance allowance of #12,158,400, and travel allowances totalling N253,608,500.
He argued that the total legitimate earnings were disproportionate to the value of the properties under investigation.
The EFCC further alleged that some of the properties were acquired through third-party individuals and companies, including entities allegedly linked to the Rayhaan Group Ltd.
Kano, Kebbi Buildings Lack Permits, Hide Illicit Funds
According to the commission, several of the buildings located in Kano and Kebbi states reportedly lacked building permits, suggesting attempts to conceal the alleged unlawful origin of the funds.
Kano features luxury estates linked to Malami’s proxies, blending opulence with alleged graft. Kaduna rounds out holdings, from hotels to agro firms hiding illicit wealth.
This nationwide spread underscores probe’s scope, tracing funds from Justice Ministry to elite assets. Court approval would reclaim billions for federal coffers swiftly.
Abdulmalik Sets April 21 for Malami Forfeiture Hearing
Justice Abdulmalik has fixed April 21 for the hearing of the motion seeking final forfeiture.
Publication in national newspapers followed, alerting proxies and owners nationwide.
The notice sparked 14-day response window for any challengers to vacate the freeze.
No rebuttals emerged, paving final forfeiture path now. EFCC hails judicial efficiency in clawing back corruption proceeds for public good.
Case Shifts: Egwuatu Recuses, Abdulmalik Takes Malami Forfeiture
The case was later reassigned to Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who subsequently recused himself, leading to the matter being transferred to Justice Abdulmalik.
Malami and co-respondents fired back with fierce applications challenging EFCC’s entire suit. They demand immediate vacation of the interim forfeiture order freezing 57 assets.
Legal filings argue jurisdictional flaws and probe irregularities, vowing robust courtroom defense. Proxies like Rayhaan entities join, alleging political motivation behind the asset grab.
Hearing looms April 21 before Justice Abdulmalik amid high stakes. EFCC braces for battle, confident investigations will uphold permanent forfeiture for public gain.
