The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a final court order forfeiting 48 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to the Federal Government.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered the judgment on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, ruling that the EFCC successfully proved the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and were not acquired through legitimate sources of income.
Among the high-profile assets forfeited are Rayhaan University in Kebbi State—including its permanent and temporary campuses, third site, Vice Chancellor’s residence—and Rayhaan Radio in Birnin Kebbi.
The forfeiture also covers several luxury hotels, residential and commercial properties in Abuja, Kano and Kebbi States, including Meethaq Hotels in Jabi and Maitama, Zeennoor Hotel in Kano, expansive landed properties, shopping plazas, warehouses, filling stations, agricultural facilities and other business assets.
Also forfeited are the Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory, complete with its buildings, machinery, staff quarters and supporting facilities, as well as assets belonging to Azbir Arena, including a hotel, printing press, gardens, pharmacy, supermarket and other commercial establishments.
The judgment followed an interim forfeiture order granted on January 6, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite after an ex parte application filed by the EFCC. In compliance with the court’s directive, the anti-graft agency published notices in national newspapers inviting interested parties to contest the forfeiture.
Malami, alongside 14 family members and associates, subsequently challenged the interim order, questioned the court’s jurisdiction and opposed the final forfeiture. However, after hearing the matter, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that they failed to provide credible evidence showing the lawful sources of funds used to acquire the assets.
The court held that merely claiming ownership was insufficient in non-conviction-based forfeiture proceedings, stressing that respondents must demonstrate that the properties were acquired with legitimately earned income.
With the ruling, all 48 identified properties have been permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
