Abubakar Malami Challenges EFCC-Backed Forfeiture Order Over Three Properties

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Former AGF Seeks Court Intervention in Asset Dispute

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja in a bid to overturn an interim forfeiture order affecting three properties linked to him.

The legal challenge follows an earlier ruling obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which secured temporary forfeiture of multiple assets it alleges were acquired through unlawful means.

Three Properties at Center of Legal Battle

The disputed assets form part of a larger portfolio of 57 properties that investigators have placed under scrutiny.

Among the properties specifically contested by Malami are a property located on Lamido Crescent in Kano, a residential building in Wuse II, Abuja, and the ADC Kadi Malami Foundation Building.

His legal team insists that all three assets were acquired lawfully and should not have been included in the forfeiture proceedings.

Defence Relies on Asset Declaration Records

Representing the former minister, Joseph Daudu (SAN) argued that the properties had already been disclosed through official asset declaration submissions filed with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

According to the defence, details relating to ownership, valuation, and acquisition were consistently provided in declarations submitted during Malami’s period in public office.

The legal team maintains that these disclosures demonstrate transparency and support the claim that the properties were obtained through legitimate means.

Foundation Building Ownership Questioned

Particular attention has been directed toward Property No. 48, identified as the ADC Kadi Malami Foundation Building.

Lawyers representing Abubakar Malami contend that the property should not be regarded as his personal asset because it is allegedly held in trust as part of the estate left behind by his late father, Kadi Malami.

This distinction, they argue, significantly affects questions surrounding ownership and control of the building.

Allegations of Incomplete Disclosure by EFCC

The defence further accused the EFCC of failing to present a complete picture when seeking the interim forfeiture order.

According to court filings, Malami’s lawyers believe relevant ownership information was omitted, resulting in a decision that they claim unfairly affected the former minister’s constitutional rights.

They argue that rights relating to property ownership, personal liberty, and the presumption of innocence should be protected throughout the legal process.

Orders Requested From the Court

As part of the application, the former Attorney General is asking the court to provide relief in two major areas.

First, he wants the temporary forfeiture order affecting the three disputed properties revoked.

Second, he is seeking an order preventing the EFCC from taking additional actions that could affect the properties while the matter remains unresolved before the court.

Defence Questions Criminal Connection to Assets

A key aspect of the argument presented by Joseph Daudu (SAN) is that investigators have not demonstrated any direct connection between the properties and alleged criminal activity.

The defence insists that documentation submitted through official asset declarations provides evidence supporting lawful ownership and acquisition.

For that reason, Malami’s legal team believes the threshold required to justify forfeiture has not been satisfied.

Background to the Case

Gossip News Now reports that Justice Inyang Ekwo, sitting as a vacation judge, previously granted an ex parte application authorizing temporary forfeiture of the 57 properties identified by the EFCC.

The anti-graft agency had argued that the assets were suspected proceeds of unlawful activities and requested judicial approval to preserve them pending further proceedings.

Following that ruling, the court directed that notices be published to allow interested parties an opportunity to contest any move toward permanent forfeiture.

Analysis: Legal Fight Highlights Asset Forfeiture Debate

The dispute between Abubakar Malami and the EFCC underscores the continuing debate surrounding asset forfeiture proceedings in Nigeria.

While anti-corruption agencies view interim forfeiture as an important investigative tool, affected individuals often argue that such measures should be supported by clear evidence and strong procedural safeguards.

The outcome of this case may ultimately influence discussions on how courts balance anti-corruption enforcement with constitutional protections. For now, attention remains focused on whether the court will uphold the existing forfeiture order or grant the relief sought by the former Attorney General.