COURT ORDERS FINAL FORFEITURE OF 48 PROPERTIES LINKED TO FORMER AGF ABUBAKAR MALAMI

Court Orders Final Forfeiture of 48 Properties Linked to Former AGF Abubakar Malami

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 (SAN), to the Federal Government.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) established sufficient grounds to show that the assets were reasonably suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities. The court also dismissed objections filed by Malami, members of his family, and companies connected to the properties.

Among the properties affected by the forfeiture order are:

- Rayhaan University (including its permanent, temporary, and third campuses)

- Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory

- Meethaq Hotels in Maitama and Jabi, Abuja

- Harmonia Hotels, Garki, Abuja

- Luxury duplexes and residential estates in Abuja

- Commercial plazas and shopping units

- Warehouses and industrial facilities

- Hotels and commercial properties in Kano, Kebbi, and Kaduna States

- Large parcels of land and other investments valued at about ₦212 billion.

The court held that the central issue was not who owns the properties, but whether the funds used to acquire them came from legitimate sources. According to the ruling, the respondents failed to rebut the EFCC's allegation that the assets were proceeds of unlawful activities.

Malami, who served as Nigeria's Attorney-General from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is also facing a separate 16-count money laundering and conspiracy charge, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Those criminal proceedings are still before the court.

What do you think?

Do you believe this ruling represents a major step in Nigeria's fight against corruption, or should the outcome await the conclusion of the criminal trial?

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