Court forfeits Malami-linked university, 47 properties
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured 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.
The order was granted on Wednesday by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who held that the EFCC had established that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and were not acquired from legitimate sources of income.
*Malami
Nkereuwem Effiong
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured 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.
The order was granted on Wednesday by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who held that the EFCC had established that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and were not acquired from legitimate sources of income.
Among the assets forfeited are Rayhaan University in Kebbi State, including its permanent, temporary and third campuses, the Vice-Chancellor’s residence, and Rayhaan Radio located along Sani Abacha Bypass, Birnin Kebbi.
Other forfeited properties include several hotels, commercial buildings, residential properties, shopping outlets, filling stations, agricultural facilities and parcels of land in Abuja, Kano and Kebbi states.
Also forfeited are the Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory in Kebbi State, including its buildings, machinery, plant units, mosque, staff quarters and the Rayhaan Bustan Building.
The order further covers assets at Azbir Arena in Kebbi State, including Azbir Hotel, a printing press, gallery, gardens, mosque, Azbir Clothing, Azbir Pharmacy and Supermarket.
Other assets forfeited include the Al-Afiya Energy tanker garage opposite the Rayhaan University Health Centre along Sani Abacha Bypass, Birnin Kebbi; Rayhaan Security House; an uncompleted two-storey plaza opposite the Central Motor Park in Birnin Kebbi; an Amasdul Oil and Gas filling station structure; and the 131-room Zeennoor Hotel, Zeennoor Mosque and the old Zeennoor Hotel building in Kano.
Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the respondents failed to discharge the evidential burden of proving that the properties were acquired with funds from lawful sources.
According to the court, the respondents merely claimed ownership of the assets without presenting credible evidence showing how they were acquired.
The court further held that non-conviction-based forfeiture proceedings require respondents to provide evidence of the legitimate sources of funds used to acquire disputed assets, rather than relying on bare assertions of ownership.
The EFCC had obtained an interim forfeiture order on 6 January 2026 from Justice Emeka Nwite following an ex parte application filed by the Commission’s counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN).
Following the interim order, the anti-graft agency published notices in national newspapers inviting interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
In response, Malami and 14 others, including members of his family and associates, challenged the interim forfeiture order and questioned the court’s jurisdiction, urging it to dismiss the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture.
After hearing arguments from both parties on 27 May 2026, Justice Abdulmalik reserved judgment before delivering Wednesday’s ruling in favour of the EFCC.
