EFCC seeks final forfeiture of 57 properties linked to Malami

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to order the permanent forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Abubakar Malami to the Federal Government.

The anti-graft agency, through a motion on notice filed by its legal team led by Jibrin Okutepa and Ekele Iheanacho, argued before Joyce Abdulmalik that the respondents failed to provide sufficient evidence to overturn an earlier interim forfeiture order.

The motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026, named Malami, Hajia Bashir Asabe, Abiru’ Rahman Abubakar Malami, Rayhaan Bustan, Agro Allied Ltd, Mountain View Gold and Jewellery Ltd, Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd, Azbir Arena Nigeria Ltd, Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Rayhaan University Ltd/GTE, Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, Zeenoor Hotels Ltd, Kawsar Ben of Brahim, Alhaji Muktaka Usman Junju, and Real Edge Agro Services Ltd as respondents.

The EFCC sought the forfeiture under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, 2006, describing the properties as “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.”

Okutepa argued that the court has statutory powers to grant the forfeiture in this non-conviction-based asset forfeiture proceeding. He noted that the interim order, published in THISDAY newspaper on January 9, 2026, has not been contested with sufficient cause.

In an affidavit supporting the motion, Daniel Adebayo, an EFCC investigating officer, outlined the extensive investigations carried out, including inquiries with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Code of Conduct Bureau, Abuja Geographical Information System, and various Land Registries. His team also conducted site visits, asset valuations, and interviews with relevant individuals.

Adebayo highlighted Malami’s lawful earnings between 2015 and 2023, noting a total salary of N89,664,000, severance allowance of N12,158,400, and travel allowances totaling N253,608,500. He argued that these legitimate earnings were disproportionate to the value of the properties in question.

The affidavit further alleged that Malami acquired some assets indirectly, through third-party individuals or companies, including entities under his control such as the Rayhaan Group Ltd. Many of the structures in Kano and Kebbi States reportedly lacked building permits, suggesting efforts to disguise the unlawful origin of funds.

The EFCC’s application covers properties across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States, including temporary and permanent sites of Rayhaan University in Kebbi.Justice Abdulmalik has scheduled the hearing of the motion for April 21. Earlier, a sister court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, had on January 6 issued the interim forfeiture order ex parte, directing its publication in a national daily to allow interested parties 14 days to respond. The case was reassigned to Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who later recused himself, leading to its reassignment to Justice Abdulmalik.

Malami and others have challenged the suit, seeking to vacate the interim order.