The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of more than 40 properties linked to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) application, holding that Malami, his family members and companies linked to the assets failed to dispel the reasonable suspicion that the properties were acquired through unlawful activities.

The judge dismissed all objections filed by the respondents, stressing that the key issue was not ownership of the properties but the legitimacy of the funds used to acquire them. However, she vacated the interim forfeiture order on some of the assets.

The EFCC had sought the permanent forfeiture of 57 properties valued at ₦212.8 billion, located across Abuja, Kano, Kebbi and Kaduna states, alleging they were proceeds of unlawful activities.

The commission argued that its investigation established reasonable suspicion that the assets were acquired with illicit funds and held through proxies. The respondents, however, maintained that the properties were lawfully acquired and accused the EFCC of relying on speculation rather than credible evidence.

Justice Abdulmalik ruled in favour of the EFCC, relying on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act to grant the final forfeiture order.