The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered 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 after finding that they were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.
The order was made on Wednesday by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully established that the assets were not acquired from legitimate sources of income.
Among the forfeited assets 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.
The forfeiture also covers several high-value commercial and residential properties across Abuja, Kano and Kebbi States, including Meethaq Hotels in Jabi and Maitama, the former Harmonia Hotels building in Garki, luxury duplexes and terraces in Maitama and Asokoro, commercial plazas, warehouses, filling stations, extensive parcels of land and other real estate.
Also forfeited are Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory, including its factory buildings, machinery, staff quarters and other facilities, as well as assets belonging to Azbir Arena, comprising Azbir Hotel, a printing press, gallery, gardens, mosque, clothing outlet, pharmacy and supermarket.
Other assets affected by the order include Zeennoor Hotel in Kano, with its 131-room facility, the adjoining mosque, the old Zeennoor Hotel building, Al-Afiya Energy tanker garage, Rayhaan Security House, an uncompleted commercial plaza in Birnin Kebbi and several residential developments acquired through the Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative.
The case originated from an interim forfeiture order granted on January 6, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite following an ex parte application filed by the EFCC.
In compliance with the court’s directive, the anti-graft agency published notices in national newspapers inviting any interested persons to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Following the publication, Malami and 14 other respondents, including family members and associates, challenged both the jurisdiction of the court and the forfeiture proceedings, urging the court to discharge the interim order and reject the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture.
After hearing arguments from all parties, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the respondents failed to discharge the evidential burden placed on them.
According to the court, they merely asserted ownership of the properties without producing credible evidence showing that the assets were acquired with funds from lawful sources.
The court explained that in non-conviction-based forfeiture proceedings, it is insufficient for a claimant to simply assert ownership. Rather, the law requires respondents to demonstrate the legitimate source of the funds used in acquiring the assets.
Having found that the respondents failed to do so, the court granted the EFCC’s application and ordered the final forfeiture of all 48 properties to the Federal Government of Nigeria.