Court orders interim forfeiture of 57 Malami-linked properties
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties worth over ₦213 billion, allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
The order was granted on Tuesday following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is investigating alleged large-scale money laundering and asset acquisition traced to the former justice minister and associates.
According to the EFCC, the properties — located across Abuja, Lagos, Kebbi and other parts of the country — were allegedly acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The anti-graft agency told the court that the assets are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime and risk being disposed of if not preserved.
READ ALSO: Court grants Malami, wife, son ₦500m bail each
In granting the application, the court directed the EFCC to take possession of the properties pending the determination of the substantive suit. The judge also ordered the commission to publish the forfeiture order in a national newspaper, inviting interested parties to appear before the court and show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The development comes amid ongoing legal proceedings involving Malami, his wife and son, who are facing charges bordering on alleged money laundering running into billions of naira.
READ ALSO: EFCC links Malami’s wealth to Abacha loot, Paris club refunds, CBN loans
The matter has been adjourned to a later date for further hearing on the forfeiture proceedings.
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