The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to the Federal Government.
The order was granted by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, after the court held that the EFCC had established that the assets were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and were not acquired through legitimate sources of income.
Among the forfeited assets are Rayhaan University in Kebbi State, including its permanent and temporary campuses, a third site, the Vice-Chancellor’s residence and Rayhaan Radio, all located along the Sani Abacha Bypass in Birnin Kebbi.
Also forfeited are several high-value properties in Abuja, including a luxury duplex in Maitama, a three-storey building in Area 11, Garki (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited), the 53-room Meethaq Hotels in Jabi, Meethaq Hotels in Maitama, terraces in Asokoro, and another property on Yakubu Gowon Crescent in Asokoro.
Other assets affected by the order include commercial and residential properties in Kano, Kaduna and Kebbi states, shopping units in Abuja, warehouse facilities, extensive parcels of land along the Birnin Kebbi-Jega Road, residential buildings in Gwarimpa and Karsana, and multiple housing units acquired through the Khadimiyya for Justice and Development Initiative in Birnin Kebbi.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of the Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory in Kebbi State, including its factory buildings, machinery, plant units, mosque, staff quarters and the Rayhaan Bustan Building.
In addition, assets belonging to Azbir Arena in Kebbi State were forfeited, including Azbir Hotel, a printing press, gallery, gardens, mosque, clothing outlet, pharmacy and supermarket.
Other properties covered by the order include the Al-Afiya Energy tanker garage, the Rayhaan Security House, an uncompleted two-storey shopping complex opposite the Central Motor Park in Birnin Kebbi, an Amasdul Oil and Gas filling station, as well as the 131-room Zeennoor Hotel, Zeennoor Mosque and the old Zeennoor Hotel building in Kano State.
The final forfeiture followed an interim forfeiture order granted by Justice Emeka Nwite on January 6, 2026, after an ex parte application filed by EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN).
Following the interim order, the EFCC published notices in national newspapers inviting any interested parties to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Malami and 14 other respondents, including family members and associates, subsequently challenged the interim order, questioned the jurisdiction of the court and urged Justice Abdulmalik not to grant the final forfeiture application.
After hearing arguments on May 27, 2026, the court reserved judgment before delivering its decision on Wednesday.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik held that the respondents failed to discharge the evidential burden required in non-conviction-based forfeiture proceedings, noting that they merely claimed ownership of the properties without providing credible evidence that they were acquired with lawfully earned income.
The judge ruled that under non-conviction-based forfeiture proceedings, respondents must demonstrate the legitimate sources of funds used to acquire the assets, rather than rely on bare assertions of ownership. Consequently, the court granted the EFCC’s application and ordered the permanent forfeiture of all 48 properties to the Federal Government.
