The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to the Federal Government.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the judgment on Wednesday, holding that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) established that the assets were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and were not acquired through lawful sources of income.
Among the forfeited assets are Rayhaan University in Kebbi State, including its permanent, temporary and third campuses, the vice chancellor's residence and Rayhaan Radio.
Also forfeited are Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory, Azbir Arena and Hotel, Zeennoor Hotel in Kano, Meethaq Hotels in Abuja, commercial buildings, residential properties, filling stations, warehouses, plazas and large parcels of land in Abuja, Kebbi and Kano.
The ruling followed an interim forfeiture order granted on Jan. 6, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite after an ex parte application by the EFCC.
The commission subsequently published notices in national newspapers, inviting interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited.
Malami and 14 family members and associates challenged the interim order, questioned the court's jurisdiction and opposed the final forfeiture, arguing that the order should be set aside.
After hearing the applications on May 27, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the respondents failed to provide evidence showing that the properties were acquired with legitimate income, holding that merely claiming ownership was insufficient in non-conviction-based forfeiture proceedings.
The judge consequently granted the EFCC's application, ordering the final forfeiture of all 48 properties to the Federal Government.
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