A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in a major development in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) ongoing anti-corruption campaign.
The ruling, delivered on July 15, 2026, by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, granted the EFCC’s application for the permanent forfeiture of the assets after dismissing objections filed by Malami, members of his family and several companies claiming ownership of the properties.
The court held that the anti-graft agency had presented sufficient grounds to justify the forfeiture, paving the way for the assets to be transferred to the Federal Government pending the conclusion of ongoing money laundering investigations.
The properties are spread across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states and include a wide range of high-value assets. Among those listed are Meethaq Hotels, Zeennoor Hotel, luxury duplexes located in upscale residential districts, commercial warehouses and facilities belonging to Rayhaan University in Kebbi State.
According to court documents, the EFCC argued that the properties were suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities and should therefore be forfeited to the Federal Government under the provisions of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.
Lawyers representing Malami, his family members and the affected companies opposed the application, maintaining that the assets were lawfully acquired and urging the court to reject the EFCC’s request. They contended that the commission had failed to establish sufficient evidence linking the properties to criminal activities.
However, Justice Abdulmalik dismissed the objections, ruling that the evidence presented by the EFCC justified the final forfeiture order. The judgment effectively vests ownership of the listed assets in the Federal Government, subject to any further legal processes available to the affected parties.
Reacting to the ruling, the EFCC described the decision as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against corruption and financial crimes. The commission stated that the judgment demonstrates the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that assets suspected to have been acquired through illicit means are recovered in the public interest.
The anti-graft agency reaffirmed its determination to pursue investigations into alleged financial crimes regardless of the status or political influence of those involved. It added that asset recovery remains one of its key strategies for combating corruption and promoting accountability in public service.
The ruling has generated widespread public interest due to Malami’s prominent role in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, where he served as the nation’s chief law officer and oversaw several major legal and constitutional matters.
Legal analysts say the judgment underscores the increasing use of civil forfeiture proceedings by anti-corruption agencies to recover assets believed to be connected to financial crimes. They note, however, that the affected parties retain the right to challenge the decision through the appellate courts if they believe the judgment was reached in error.
The case also highlights the broader campaign by the EFCC to strengthen asset recovery efforts as part of the Federal Government’s anti-corruption agenda. Observers believe the outcome could encourage more aggressive pursuit of suspected illicit assets while reinforcing judicial oversight of such proceedings.
As investigations continue, attention is expected to shift to whether further criminal proceedings will emerge from the ongoing money laundering probe. Meanwhile, the forfeited properties are set to come under federal control in accordance with the court’s directive, marking one of the most significant asset recovery decisions in recent years.
