EFCC Begins Takeover of Malami’s Forfeited Assets

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has started taking possession of properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, following a final forfeiture order issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Malami asset forfeiture involves properties valued at about ₦180.4 billion across several states.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the final forfeiture after ruling that Abubakar Malami and other claimants failed to prove that the assets were acquired through legitimate means. The affected properties include hotels, residential buildings, shopping malls, corporate entities, and a university located in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and Birnin Kebbi.

The EFCC began the forfeiture process in January, targeting 57 assets estimated to be worth more than ₦212 billion. The commission alleged that the properties were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities during Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation between 2015 and 2023. However, the court excluded nine properties from the final order after finding that the EFCC did not provide sufficient evidence to establish they were unlawfully acquired.

During a visit by Premium Times, Zeenoor Hotels Limited in Kano was found operating as usual despite the judgment. A hotel official declined to comment beyond confirming that business activities were continuing. Meanwhile, a police officer stationed at the hotel said security personnel had been informed that the Federal Government could take over the property at any time.

At No. 9 Ahmadu Bello Way in Kano, another property covered by the Malami asset forfeiture was found deserted, with mobile police officers guarding the premises.

Confirming the development, EFCC Head of Media and Publicity Dele Oyewale said the commission had already begun a gradual takeover of the forfeited assets. He added that any affected property still occupied without the commission’s approval was being used illegally and confirmed that the property at No. 9 Ahmadu Bello Way had already been secured.

What impact do you think high-profile asset forfeiture cases have on the fight against corruption in Nigeria?