Malami challenges EFCC forfeiture order, says assets legitimately acquired
Former Attorney General Challenges EFCC Over Property Forfeiture
Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney General of the Federation, has initiated legal proceedings against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the interim forfeiture of several properties associated with him. Malami asserts that these assets were acquired through legitimate means, not illicit activities.
In an affidavit submitted to the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja, Malami contended that the properties cited in the interim forfeiture order issued by the EFCC in January 2026 were acquired through his legal practice, business endeavors, and disclosed income.
The EFCC secured the forfeiture order based on suspicions that the properties were linked to proceeds from criminal activities. However, Malami argued that the agency failed to provide sufficient evidence connecting the assets to any wrongdoing, labeling the allegations as speculative.
“There is no document before the court showing these properties were acquired with proceeds of crime,” he stated.
Furthermore, Malami accused the EFCC of overstating the value of the properties in an effort to support its case, claiming that assets purchased for hundreds of millions of naira were appraised at billions. He cited independent assessments that provided much lower valuations.
Malami attributed his wealth to over 30 years of legal practice, investments in sectors such as hospitality, agriculture, and education, as well as loans from banks, asset sales, gifts, and proceeds from book launches. He emphasized that all earnings were reported to the Code of Conduct Bureau in compliance with legal requirements.
In addition to the valuation issues, Malami alleged that the EFCC exceeded its authority by seizing properties without a final forfeiture order, evicting family members, and confiscating documents. He labeled these actions as extrajudicial and a violation of due process.
The case is closely linked to an ongoing criminal charge against Malami and will examine the extent of the EFCC’s asset forfeiture powers and its adherence to due process. Malami is seeking to have the interim forfeiture order annulled, asserting that the properties are legitimate and unrelated to any unlawful conduct.
