EFCC Marks Abuja Properties Linked to Malami for Forfeiture, Former AGF Demands Court Order

Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday marked several properties in Abuja allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, for forfeiture, in a move that triggered tension at one of the residences.

The anti-graft operatives, accompanied by armed security personnel, arrived at one of the affected properties and inscribed “Restrained Order, EFCC Keep Off” on the building, indicating that the asset remains under a forfeiture process ordered by the court.

Trouble started when Malami confronted one of the officials, insisting that they present a valid court order authorising the action. In a video circulating online, the former minister questioned the legality of the exercise, arguing that the earlier forfeiture order had elapsed.

Responding, an official of the commission maintained that the agency was acting within its powers because the property remained under forfeiture proceedings.

The development came hours after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar reportedly visited Malami’s residence in Abuja.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had in January ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties said to be linked to Malami and two of his sons, Abdulaziz and Abiru Rahman, over allegations that the assets were proceeds of unlawful activities.

The court also directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper and invite interested parties to appear before it within 14 days to explain why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

However, in February, Malami challenged the interim forfeiture order, asking the court to set it aside.

The former AGF is also facing separate criminal charges. Last week, he regained freedom after a Federal High Court granted him bail in the sum of N200 million alongside his son, Abdulaziz, over alleged terrorism-related offences.

They had earlier been arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

The Department of State Services accused Malami of allegedly failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while he served as attorney-general.

In another case, the EFCC also arraigned Malami, his wife and son over alleged money laundering involving more than N8.7 billion.