The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order directing that 57 properties allegedly connected to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The order was granted on Tuesday by Justice Emeka Nwite after considering an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.
A certified true copy of the judgment was obtained by reporters on Wednesday.
According to the ruling, the multi-billion-naira properties—suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities—are located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states.
Justice Nwite declared that the affected properties listed in Schedule 1 of the application are “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities” and are therefore subject to interim forfeiture pending further court proceedings.
The judge also ordered that the forfeiture notice be published in a national newspaper, inviting any individuals or organisations with claims to the properties to appear within 14 days and show cause why a permanent forfeiture order should not be issued.
This directive initiates a show-cause process, which provides an opportunity for third parties to present evidence, challenge the forfeiture, or assert ownership claims before the court decides on final forfeiture.
Justice Nwite scheduled the case for January 27 to review compliance with the publication and other directives.
The seized assets include:
– A high-end luxury duplex located on Amazon Street, Plot 3011, Maitama, purchased in December 2022 for ₦500 million and valued post-enhancement at ₦5.95 billion.
– A large double-wing building at No. 3 Onitsha Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited), acquired in December 2018 for ₦7 billion.
– Plot 683 in Jabi District, featuring a five-storey structure now operating as Meethaq Hotels Ltd with 53 suites; purchased in September 2020 at carcass stage for ₦850 million, with an additional ₦300 million spent to take possession. Its value upon completion stands at ₦8.4 billion.
– Property No. 3130, Asokoro District (Cadastral Zone A04), consisting of luxury terraces acquired in January 2021 for ₦360 million.
– No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama — Meethaq Hotels with 15 rooms — bought in February 2018 for ₦430 million and now valued at ₦12.95 billion following renovation.
– Plot 1241B, Asokoro District (No. 11A Yakubu Gowon Crescent), purchased in July 2021 for ₦325 million.
– Shop No. C82 at Citiscape, Shariff Plaza, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, acquired in March 2024 for ₦120 million.
– No. 4 Ahmadu Bello Way, Nasarawa GRA, Kano, purchased in December 2022 for ₦300 million.
– Plot 157, Lamido Crescent, Nasarawa GRA, Kano, acquired in July 2019 (price not disclosed).
– A commercial plaza with toilets, laundry, storage facilities and tanks adjacent to Birnin Kebbi Market, purchased in 2021 for ₦100 million.
– A 100-hectare parcel of land along Birnin Kebbi–Jega Road, acquired in 2020 for ₦100 million.
– A four-bedroom bungalow at Gesse Phase, Birnin Kebbi, bought in 2023 for ₦101 million.
– Shops A36 and B3 at Vegas Mall, Wuse II, purchased in July 2023 for ₦158 million.
– No. 26 Babbi Drive, BUA Estate, Abuja, purchased in 2022 for ₦136 million.
– No. 27 Efab Estates Avenue, 59th Crescent, Gwarimpa, bought in January 2016 for ₦120 million.
– A four-bedroom home with boys’ quarters at No. 10B Doka Crescent, Abakpa GRA, Kaduna, acquired in January 2018 for ₦40 million.
– Plot 13, Ipent 7 Estate, Karsana District, Abuja, purchased in June 2018 for ₦85 million.
– A duplex and boys’ quarters at No. 12 Yalinga Street, off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, acquired in October 2018 for ₦150 million.
– Two warehouse shops (B40 and B46) at Wuse Market, purchased in July 2020 for ₦50 million.
– Twin houses at Zone E, Apo Legislative Quarters, Gudu District, Abuja, purchased between February and May 2017 for ₦250 million.
Additionally, properties bought by the Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative at Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi—sold by the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage Scheme—are included.
These comprise nine three-bedroom bungalows, three two-bedroom bungalows and a 5.4-hectare land parcel, purchased between February and September 2023 for a combined ₦187 million, among other listed assets.
Gossip News Now reports that Malami, his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son Abubakar Abdulaziz are currently facing an ₦8.7 billion money-laundering case before Justice Nwite.
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