Malami Challenges EFCC in Court Over Asset Forfeiture
Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has taken legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the interim forfeiture of several properties linked to him.
In court documents filed before the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja, Malami insisted that the assets were lawfully acquired through years of legal practice, business investments, and declared earnings.
The EFCC had earlier obtained an interim forfeiture order, alleging that the properties were proceeds of crime. However, Malami argued that the commission failed to provide credible evidence connecting the assets to any criminal activity.
He further accused the agency of exaggerating the value of the properties in an attempt to strengthen its case, saying some assets bought for hundreds of millions of naira were falsely presented as worth billions.
According to Malami, his wealth came from multiple legitimate sources, including legal practice spanning more than three decades, as well as investments in hospitality, agriculture, and education.
He also stated that all his earnings were properly declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau in line with the law.
The former AGF additionally accused the EFCC of abusing due process by allegedly taking over some properties without a final court order, evicting family members, and seizing important documents.
Malami is now asking the court to reverse the interim forfeiture order and return the properties, insisting they have no connection with unlawful activities.
The court is expected to determine whether the assets will be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government or released back to him.
