Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of 57 Malami-Linked Properties
By Ranti Thomas
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and two of his sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru-Rahman Malami, to the Federal Government.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order following an ex-parte application by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ekele Iheanacho (SAN). The properties, valued at approximately ₦213.2 billion, are located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite directed the publication of the interim order in a national newspaper, inviting any person or body claiming interest in the assets to show cause within 14 days why a final forfeiture order should not be made. The matter was adjourned until January 27, 2026, for a compliance report.
The forfeited assets include a wide range of landed and commercial properties such as luxury duplexes, multi-storey buildings, hotels, agro-allied factories, schools, pharmacies, supermarkets, oil and gas filling stations, shops, and warehouses. Notable properties include:
- Luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Maitama, purchased in 2022 for ₦500 million (current value ₦5.95 billion)
- Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Jabi, Abuja, purchased in 2020 at ₦850 million (current value ₦8.4 billion)
- Twin houses at Zone E, Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja, purchased in 2017 for ₦250 million
- 100 hectares of land along Birnin Kebbi-Jega Road, purchased in 2020 for ₦100 million
- Various commercial shops, residential units, and bungalows across Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Kebbi purchased between 2016 and 2024
Malami, his wife Bashir Asabe, and his son Abdulaziz are currently facing an alleged ₦8.7 billion money laundering charge before Justice Nwite. The court’s interim forfeiture order is aimed at preserving the assets pending the conclusion of the ongoing trial.