Alleged Fraud: EFCC Lists 57 Properties Linked to Ex-AGF Malami for Interim Forfeiture

By Usman David

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured an interim forfeiture order covering 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), in what appears to be one of the agency’s largest asset recovery proceedings in recent years.

The properties are listed in an interim forfeiture order marked FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026, obtained by the commission as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged financial crimes.

According to court documents, the assets are spread across the Federal Capital Territory, Kebbi and Kano states, and include residential and commercial buildings, hotels, educational institutions, agricultural facilities, factories and expansive parcels of land worth several billions of naira.

Among the high-profile properties listed is a luxury duplex located at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011, Cadastral Zone A06, Maitama, Abuja, reportedly purchased in December 2022 for N500 million but now valued at about N5.95 billion.

Also listed is a two-wing storey building at No. 3 Onitsha Crescent, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, formerly occupied by Harmonia Hotels Limited, allegedly acquired for N7 billion in December 2018.

The commission further identified Plot 683, Jabi District, Abuja, currently operating as Meethaq Hotels Limited with 53 rooms and suites. 

The property was reportedly purchased in September 2020 while at carcass level for N850 million, with an additional N300 million paid to complete the acquisition. Investigators estimate its current value at N8.4 billion.

Other Abuja properties covered by the order include buildings in Asokoro, Maitama, Wuse II, Gwarinpa, Apo Legislative Quarters, Karsana District, Garki and Wuse Market.

In Kebbi State, the EFCC listed extensive investments allegedly connected to Malami, including a 100-hectare parcel of land along the Birnin Kebbi-Jega Road, residential buildings, commercial facilities, filling stations and educational institutions.

The commission also included properties belonging to Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative at Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi, comprising nine three-bedroom bungalows, three two-bedroom bungalows and 5.4 hectares of land reportedly acquired in 2023.

Among the largest assets named in the forfeiture proceedings are facilities associated with Rayhaan University in Kebbi State. 

They include its permanent site valued at N56 billion, temporary site estimated at N37.8 billion, a third site valued at N2.45 billion and the Vice-Chancellor’s residence put at N490 million.

The interim forfeiture application equally covers the Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory, including factory buildings, production equipment, a mosque, staff quarters and other structures with a combined estimated value running into several billions of naira.

Also listed are assets under Azbir Arena, including Azbir Hotel, a printing press, gallery, gardens, mosque, clothing outlet and pharmacy/supermarket.

In Kano State, the commission listed Zeennoor Hotel in Kabuga Satellite Town, comprising 131 rooms, Zeennoor Mosque, the old Zeennoor Hotel building, as well as Rayhaan Hotel located opposite Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and its adjoining gym facility.

The EFCC is expected to return to court to seek the final forfeiture of the assets after interested parties have been given the opportunity to challenge the interim order.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Malami nor his representatives had publicly responded to the allegations or the interim forfeiture proceedings.