The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 out of 57 properties valued at about N212 billion and linked to the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ruling that the assets be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The judge also dismissed objections filed by Malami, members of his family, and several companies claiming ownership of the properties, describing their applications as lacking merit.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik stated that the central issue before the court was not the ownership of the properties but whether the funds used to acquire them were lawfully obtained.
The affected assets are spread across the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states. They include luxury hotels, residential estates, duplexes, plazas, warehouses, shopping units, educational institutions, factories and other high-value commercial properties acquired over several years.
Among the notable assets affected by the order are Meethaq Hotels in Maitama and Jabi, Abuja; Rayhaan University and its associated facilities in Kebbi State; Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory; Azbir Hotel and related businesses; Zeennoor Hotel in Kano; and several luxury homes in Abuja, Kebbi and Kano.
The forfeiture follows an earlier interim forfeiture order obtained by the EFCC covering 57 properties. With the latest judgment, 48 of those assets have now been permanently forfeited to the Federal Government, while the status of the remaining nine properties was not covered by the final forfeiture order.
The ruling marks one of the largest asset forfeiture judgments secured by the EFCC in recent years.
About The Author
Anyone had a good experience with 29betcom? Looking for a new platform, and want to get some real opinions before diving in. Let me know your thoughts at 29betcom.