CACOL Commends EFCC, Judiciary Over Final Forfeiture of 48 Properties Linked to Ex-AGF Malami
By Jabiru Hassan
The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian judiciary following the Federal High Court’s order for 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.
In a statement signed by the organisation’s Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo, on behalf of CACOL Chairman, Debo Adeniran, the group described the judgment as another major milestone in Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign.
According to CACOL, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the claimants failed to establish that the funds used to acquire the properties were legitimately earned. The organisation noted that the court rightly focused on whether the assets were purchased with lawful income rather than simply determining ownership.
CACOL praised the EFCC for its thorough investigation, professionalism and persistence in pursuing the case to a successful conclusion.
The organisation also commended the judiciary for reinforcing public confidence in the courts through an impartial decision that demonstrated that justice can prevail regardless of the status of those involved.
It stated that the ruling should serve as a reminder to public office holders that public office is a position of trust, not an avenue for personal enrichment, adding that all officials must be prepared to account for their stewardship.
CACOL urged the Federal Government to ensure that the forfeited properties are not abandoned or distributed through political patronage. Instead, it recommended that the assets be converted into public facilities such as schools, hospitals, research institutes, affordable housing or vocational centres, or sold through a transparent and competitive process, with the proceeds invested in projects that directly benefit Nigerians.
The group further encouraged the EFCC to sustain its anti-corruption efforts by ensuring that all corruption cases are investigated and prosecuted without fear, favour or political influence.
Reaffirming its commitment to the anti-corruption campaign, CACOL pledged continued support for lawful efforts aimed at preventing, exposing, investigating and prosecuting corruption while advocating stronger institutions, transparent governance, prudent management of public resources and greater accountability in public service.
