Malami Drags EFCC to Court Over Asset Seizure, Insists Wealth Was Legitimately Earned

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has intensified his legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), challenging the commission’s move to seize properties allegedly linked to him.

The legal dispute follows EFCC’s application before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties reportedly tied to the former minister, on grounds that they are suspected proceeds of unlawful activities. The anti-graft agency is asking the court to permanently transfer the assets to the Federal Government under non-conviction based forfeiture proceedings.  

Court documents show the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026, also lists some of Malami’s family members and associated companies among the respondents in the forfeiture suit.

Malami, however, has rejected the allegations and is contesting the process in court, maintaining that his wealth and properties were acquired lawfully through his legal practice and other legitimate earnings accumulated over the years.

The former justice minister had earlier accused EFCC operatives of unlawfully invading and marking some of his Abuja properties without presenting a valid court order, describing the action as an abuse of due process. Reports say the confrontation occurred when EFCC officials arrived at the affected locations to enforce an interim forfeiture order.  

The anti-graft commission, on its part, insists it acted within the law and under the authority of an existing court order, arguing that the respondents failed to provide sufficient grounds to overturn the interim forfeiture.

The case has attracted national attention, given Malami’s prominent role as Nigeria’s chief law officer under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Legal analysts say the outcome of the case could shape future asset recovery proceedings involving former public officials, especially on the issue of non-conviction based forfeiture.

The Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to continue hearing arguments from both parties in the coming days as the battle over the disputed assets deepens.