Former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, SAN, has mounted a strong legal challenge against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the interim forfeiture of his multiple properties, rejecting claims that the assets were proceeds of crime.
In an affidavit filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja and sighted on Monday, Malami maintained that all properties listed in the January 2026 forfeiture order were legitimately acquired through years of legal practice, business ventures, and declared incomes.
The EFCC had secured the interim forfeiture order on the suspicion that the assets were linked to illicit funds. However, Malami argued that the agency failed to provide prima facie evidence connecting any of the properties to criminal activity, describing the allegations as speculative.
“There is no document before the court showing these properties were acquired with proceeds of crime,” he stated.
A key element of Malami’s defence was his claim that the EFCC inflated the value of the assets to strengthen its case. He alleged that properties purchased for hundreds of millions of naira were presented as worth billions, adding that independent valuers have since provided significantly lower and more accurate assessments.
Malami attributed his wealth to multiple sources, including over three decades of legal practice and investments in hospitality, agriculture, and education.
“Loans from commercial banks, asset sales and other investments, gifts and proceeds from book launches,” he added, noting that all earnings were duly declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in compliance with the extant law.
Beyond the value and source disputes, the former AGF accused the EFCC of overstepping its powers, alleging that operatives seized properties without a final forfeiture order, evicted family members from residences, and confiscated documents.
He described the actions as “extrajudicial” and a breach of due process.
The case, which is also tied to an ongoing criminal charge against Malami, is shaping up as a significant test of the EFCC’s asset-forfeiture powers and its adherence to due process.
Malami is urging the court to set aside the interim forfeiture order, insisting the properties were legitimate and unconnected to any unlawful activity.
The court is expected to determine whether the assets will be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government or returned to their owner.
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