A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary forfeiture of 57 properties across Nigeria suspected to be proceeds of crime linked to the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order on Tuesday following an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The properties, scattered across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna, include high-value assets such as luxury hotels, commercial plazas, residential buildings, and large plots of land.
The court’s interim order gives the EFCC the authority to seize the assets pending further investigation.
As part of the ruling, Justice Nwite instructed the EFCC to publish a notice in a national newspaper, inviting any individuals or entities with an interest in the 57 properties to come forward within 14 days and show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Among the listed properties are a N7 billion hotel in Garki, Abuja; a N12.95 billion hotel in Maitama, Abuja; a N5.95 billion duplex; and 100 hectares of land in Kebbi. The matter was adjourned until January 27, when the EFCC will report on its compliance with the court’s order.
