By Divine Sam
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take over dozens of properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), as part of ongoing forfeiture proceedings instituted by the anti-graft agency. Reports indicate that the properties are valued at over ₦212 billion and are spread across Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Kebbi states.
The former Attorney-General, whose full name is Abubakar Malami, served under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The EFCC had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order over the assets, arguing that they are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The commission is seeking a final order of forfeiture from the court, maintaining that Malami and other respondents failed to satisfactorily explain the legitimate sources of funds used in acquiring the properties. Counsel to the EFCC, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), urged the court to grant the application based on documentary evidence presented before it.
However, Malami, through his legal team, has challenged the forfeiture proceedings, insisting that the properties were lawfully acquired and are not proceeds of any criminal activity. His lawyers have asked the court to dismiss the EFCC’s application, arguing that sufficient evidence has been provided to establish the legitimacy of the assets.
The forfeiture case remains one of the most significant asset recovery proceedings involving a former public office holder in recent times and is being closely watched as the court continues to determine the final ownership of the properties.
Editor’s Note: Available court records and recent reports refer to 57 properties linked to Abubakar Malami and not 48 properties.
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