Abubakar Malami Challenges EFCC Forfeiture

Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation, has initiated legal proceedings against the Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to challenge the interim forfeiture of his properties. The EFCC had secured the forfeiture order in January 2026, alleging the properties were acquired with illicit funds. Malami, however, asserts that his assets were legitimately obtained through over 30 years of legal practice, investments in hospitality, agriculture, and education, as well as bank loans, asset sales, gifts, and book launch proceeds, all duly declared to the Nigeria — Code of Conduct Bureau. He accuses the EFCC of lacking sufficient evidence, presenting speculative claims, inflating asset values, and violating due process by seizing properties without a final court order, evicting occupants, and confiscating documents. The case, currently before the Nigeria — Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja, is linked to an ongoing criminal matter against Malami and will critically examine the EFCC's asset forfeiture powers and compliance with legal procedures. The court's decision will determine whether the assets are permanently forfeited to the Nigeria or returned to Abubakar Malami.