EFCC secures final forfeiture of 48 properties as court rules ex-AGF, family, associates failed to prove lawful ownership

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a decisive legal victory after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

Delivering judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the anti-graft agency successfully demonstrated that the assets were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and not acquired through legitimate income.

The forfeited properties span multiple sectors and locations, including Rayhaan University—covering both its permanent and temporary campuses—the Vice Chancellor’s residence, Rayhaan Radio, hotels, luxury apartments, commercial complexes, filling stations, factories, and extensive land holdings across Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano states.

The court ruled that Malami, alongside his family members and associates, failed to provide credible evidence to justify the source of funds used in acquiring the assets. It stressed that in non-conviction-based forfeiture proceedings, mere claims of ownership are insufficient without verifiable proof of lawful acquisition.

The ruling effectively transfers ownership of the assets to the Federal Government, marking one of the most high-profile forfeiture cases secured by the EFCC in recent times.