The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to permanently forfeit 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to the Federal Government.
The anti-graft agency made the request through a motion on notice filed by its legal team led by Jibrin Okutepa and Ekele Iheanacho, arguing that the respondents failed to provide sufficient evidence to overturn an earlier interim forfeiture order.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026, lists Malami alongside several individuals and companies as respondents in the suit.
EFCC is seeking the forfeiture under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006, describing the properties as proceeds of unlawful activities.
According to the commission, the court has the statutory powers to grant the forfeiture in a non-conviction-based asset forfeiture proceeding.
The EFCC also noted that the interim forfeiture order published in a national newspaper in January 2026 was not successfully challenged.
In an affidavit supporting the motion, EFCC investigating officer Daniel Adebayo said investigations included inquiries with government agencies such as the Corporate Affairs Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Code of Conduct Bureau, Abuja Geographical Information System and various land registries.
The team also carried out site visits, asset valuations and interviews.
The affidavit revealed that Malami’s lawful earnings between 2015 and 2023 included a total salary of N89.6 million, severance allowance of N12.1 million and travel allowances totaling N253.6 million, which the EFCC said were disproportionate to the value of the properties under investigation.
The commission further alleged that some assets were acquired indirectly through third-party individuals and companies allegedly linked to Malami, including entities under the Rayhaan Group.
Some structures in Kano and Kebbi states were also said to lack building permits, suggesting attempts to conceal the origin of the funds.
The properties listed in the forfeiture application are located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states, including sites linked to Rayhaan University in Kebbi.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik has scheduled April 21 for the hearing of the motion.
Earlier, a sister court presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite granted an interim forfeiture order in January, directing its publication to allow interested parties to respond.
The case was later reassigned after Justice Obiora Egwuatu recused himself.
Malami and other respondents have, however, challenged the suit and are seeking to vacate the interim forfeiture order.
