A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties belonging to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), as well as two of his sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru-Rahman Malami, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Okay News reports that the court order was granted on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite, following an ex-parte application filed by Ekele Iheanacho, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, the properties, which span the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as well as Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States, are collectively valued at approximately ₦213.2 billion and are suspected to be the proceeds of unlawful activities.
In the ruling, Justice Nwite directed that all properties listed in the schedule attached to the motion be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government. He also ordered that the EFCC publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, giving interested parties 14 days to show cause why the properties should not be permanently seized. The case has been adjourned to Tuesday, January 27, 2026, for a report on compliance.
The seized assets include a range of high-value properties such as university buildings, hotels, schools, residential estates, plazas, commercial shops, warehouses, factories, and large parcels of land. Oyewale highlighted some of the properties, including:
Luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011, Maitama, Abuja, purchased in December 2022 for ₦500 million, now valued at ₦5.95 billion.
Former Harmonia Hotels Limited, Garki, Abuja, a two-wing large storey building bought in December 2018 for ₦7 billion.
Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Jabi, Abuja, a five-storey hotel purchased at carcass level in September 2020 for ₦850 million, with an additional ₦300 million for possession, now valued at ₦8.4 billion.
Multiple properties in Asokoro District, Wuse II, Nasarawa GRA in Kano, and Birnin Kebbi, including commercial plazas, warehouse shops, and residential estates.
Malami, his wife Bashir Asabe Malami, and son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami are already facing trial before Justice Nwite over allegations of money laundering involving ₦8.7 billion.
