Malami fights back as EFCC targets more properties

Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has launched a legal battle against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), rejecting claims that several of his properties are proceeds of crime.

In an affidavit filed before the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja, Malami maintained that all assets listed in an interim forfeiture order obtained by the EFCC in January 2026 were legitimately acquired through years of legal practice, business ventures, and declared income.

The anti-graft agency had secured the order on the grounds that the properties were suspected to have been obtained through illicit means.

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However, Malami argued that the EFCC failed to present sufficient evidence linking the assets to any criminal activity.

“There is no document before the court showing these properties were acquired with proceeds of crime,” he stated.

A key element of his defence is the allegation that the EFCC inflated the value of the properties to mislead the court.

He claimed that assets purchased for hundreds of millions of naira were presented as being worth billions, adding that independent valuers had placed significantly lower figures on them.

Malami traced his wealth to multiple sources, including over three decades of legal practice, investments in sectors such as hospitality, agriculture, and education, as well as loans, asset sales, and proceeds from book launches.

He also insisted that all his income had been duly declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau in line with legal requirements.

Beyond disputing the financial claims, the former minister accused the EFCC of violating his rights through what he described as extrajudicial actions.

He alleged that operatives seized properties without a final forfeiture order, evicted family members, and confiscated documents.

The case, which is linked to an ongoing criminal charge against Malami, is expected to test the scope of asset forfeiture laws and due process in Nigeria.

The court will determine whether the properties will be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government or returned to the former minister.