Malami Moves to Appeal Judgment on Final Forfeiture of 48 Properties

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has announced plans to appeal the Federal High Court judgment ordering the final forfeiture of 48 properties allegedly linked to him.

Malami disclosed his decision in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, shortly after the court ruled in favour of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

On Wednesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the EFCC’s application for the final forfeiture of the properties after finding that Malami and other claimants failed to prove that the assets were lawfully acquired.

The court held that the claimants were unable to displace the reasonable suspicion that the properties constituted proceeds of unlawful activities.

Reacting to the judgment, Malami said he respectfully disagreed with aspects of the court’s decision and had directed his legal team to immediately challenge the ruling before the Court of Appeal.

According to him, the judgment does not represent the final determination of the matter, noting that the appellate process is a vital component of Nigeria’s judicial system and exists to ensure that legal issues are properly reviewed.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law, the Constitution and the independence of the judiciary, expressing confidence that the appellate court would give the issues raised careful consideration.

Malami also urged members of the public and the media to avoid drawing premature conclusions while the appeal remains pending.

He stressed that every Nigerian is constitutionally entitled to seek judicial redress whenever dissatisfied with a court decision.

The former Attorney-General thanked the people of Kebbi State and Nigerians who have continued to support and pray for him throughout the legal proceedings.

He assured them that the latest development would not distract him from his commitment to public service and national development.

Malami further appealed to his supporters to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while allowing the judicial process to run its full course.

The former minister said he remained optimistic that justice would prevail through the appellate process, adding that his legal team would pursue every constitutional avenue available to challenge the forfeiture order.

The EFCC had sought the forfeiture of the properties as part of its anti-corruption efforts, arguing that the assets were proceeds of unlawful activities, a position accepted by the Federal High Court in its ruling.