Federal High Court Orders Confiscation of University, Radio Station, Hotels and Other Assets Over Alleged Proceeds of Unlawful Activities
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured 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.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered the judgment on Wednesday, holding that the EFCC successfully established that the assets were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and were not acquired through legitimate sources of income.
Among the forfeited assets are Rayhaan University in Kebbi State, including its permanent, temporary and third campuses, the Vice-Chancellor’s residence, and Rayhaan Radio located along Sani Abacha Bypass, Birnin Kebbi.
Other properties forfeited include luxury hotels in Abuja and Kano, residential estates, commercial plazas, warehouses, filling stations, large parcels of land, agricultural facilities, factories, shopping complexes, and hospitality businesses spread across Abuja, Kebbi and Kano States.
The judgment also covers the forfeiture of Rayhaan Agro Allied Factory, Azbir Arena, Azbir Hotel, Zeennoor Hotel, staff quarters, mosques, pharmacies, supermarkets, printing facilities, and other commercial assets.
The case followed an interim forfeiture order granted on January 6, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite after an ex parte application filed by the EFCC. The Commission subsequently published notices inviting interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited.
Malami and 14 other respondents, including family members and associates, challenged the interim order, questioned the court’s jurisdiction and opposed the final forfeiture application.
However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the respondents failed to discharge the evidential burden of proving that the properties were acquired through lawful means.
The court held that merely claiming ownership of the assets was insufficient in non-conviction-based forfeiture proceedings, stressing that respondents must provide credible evidence showing the legitimate source of funds used to acquire such properties.
With the ruling, all 48 properties have been permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
