- Arguing the case, Okutepa explained that the matter involves a non-conviction-based forfeiture
- He noted that the interim forfeiture order had already been published in a national newspaper in January 2026
- He said investigations included obtaining financial records from banks and the Central Bank of Nigeria
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to grant a final order forfeiting 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to the Federal Government.
In a motion filed by its legal team, led by Jibrin Okutepa and Ekele Iheanacho, the anti-graft agency argued before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the respondents failed to present convincing evidence to overturn an earlier interim forfeiture order, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
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The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026, lists Malami, Hajia Bashir Asabe, Abiru’ Rahman Abubakar Malami, and several companies allegedly connected to the properties as respondents.
The EFCC said its application, brought under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006, seeks a permanent forfeiture of assets suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Arguing the case, Okutepa explained that the matter involves a non-conviction-based forfeiture, adding that the court has the legal authority to grant the request.
He noted that the interim forfeiture order had already been published in a national newspaper in January 2026, and no sufficient justification had been provided to stop the final forfeiture.
An affidavit by EFCC investigator Daniel Adebayo revealed that the commission received several petitions accusing the former minister of corruption, abuse of office, and fraud.
He said investigations included obtaining financial records from banks and the Central Bank of Nigeria, as well as conducting inquiries with agencies such as the Corporate Affairs Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Code of Conduct Bureau, and the Abuja Geographical Information System.
The probe also extended to land registries in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Kano states, with officials physically verifying and valuing the properties. Individuals linked to the transactions were reportedly invited for questioning.
According to the EFCC, Malami’s declared earnings between 2015 and 2023, including salaries, allowances, and travel estacodes, were significantly lower than the value of the assets under investigation.
The agency also alleged that some properties were acquired through proxies and corporate entities, and that several buildings lacked proper approval documents.
The commission identified 57 properties located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states, including assets associated with Rayhaan University in Kebbi.
Justice Abdulmalik has adjourned the case to April 21 for hearing.
The case follows an earlier interim forfeiture order granted on January 8, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite, which temporarily transferred the properties, valued at about N213.2 billion, to the Federal Government.
The court had directed the EFCC to publish the order, allowing interested parties 14 days to contest the forfeiture. In response, Malami and other defendants have challenged the proceedings, seeking to overturn the interim order.
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