The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to order the permanent forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly connected to Abubakar Malami, the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.
In a motion filed before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, the EFCC, through its legal team led by Jibrin Okutepa and Ekele Iheanacho, argued that the respondents failed to provide sufficient justification to overturn an earlier interim forfeiture order granted by the court.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026, lists Malami alongside several individuals and corporate entities as respondents. These include Hajia Bashir Asabe, Abiru’ Rahman Abubakar Malami, Rayhaan Bustan, and companies such as Agro Allied Ltd, Mountain View Gold and Jewellery Ltd, Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd, Azbir Arena Nigeria Ltd, Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Rayhaan University Ltd/GTE, Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, Zeenoor Hotels Ltd, Kawsar Ben of Brahim, Alhaji Muktaka Usman Junju, and Real Edge Agro Services Ltd.
The EFCC based its application on provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006, maintaining that the assets are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. The agency emphasized that the proceedings fall under non-conviction-based forfeiture, which allows the court to order confiscation without a prior criminal conviction.
In a supporting affidavit, EFCC investigator Daniel Adebayo detailed the scope of the investigation, which included collaboration with agencies such as the Corporate Affairs Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Code of Conduct Bureau, and land registries. The probe also involved site inspections, asset valuation, and interviews.
According to the affidavit, Malami’s total legitimate earnings between 2015 and 2023 were significantly lower than the estimated value of the properties. The EFCC further alleged that some assets were acquired through proxies and affiliated companies, including entities linked to the Rayhaan Group.
The properties in question are located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States. The court has scheduled April 21 for hearing, while Malami and other respondents continue to challenge the interim forfeiture order.
