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Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of 57 Properties Linked to Ex-Justice Minister Malami
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties valued at about ₦213 billion, allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order after hearing an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN. The properties are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and have been forfeited temporarily to the Federal Government pending further proceedings.
The assets, located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states, include luxury residential buildings, hotels, commercial plazas, warehouses, shops, and large parcels of land. Although the ruling was delivered on Tuesday, a certified copy of the order became public on Wednesday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
In his ruling, Justice Nwite directed that the interim forfeiture order be published in a national newspaper, inviting any individual or organisation with an interest in the properties to appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why a final forfeiture order should not be granted.
The judge adjourned the matter to a later date in January for a report on compliance with the court’s directives.
Among the listed assets are high-value properties in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, Garki, Jabi, Apo Legislative Quarters, Gwarimpa, and Karsana in Abuja; luxury homes and commercial buildings in Kano and Kaduna; as well as extensive landholdings and developments in Kebbi State. Several of the properties were acquired between 2016 and 2024, with some valued in billions of naira after renovation and enhancement.
Meanwhile, Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, are standing trial before the same court over alleged money laundering involving ₦8.7 billion. The EFCC, in a 16-count charge, accused the defendants of conspiracy, concealment of illicit funds, and acquisition of properties believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The alleged offences, according to the anti-graft agency, were committed between 2015 and 2025, a period that includes Malami’s eight-year tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC further alleged that the defendants used bank accounts and corporate entities to disguise the origin of the funds, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022. The trial is ongoing.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.