By Trendsetter Tribune 
Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami urges a Federal High Court to set aside an interim forfeiture order on three properties, arguing they were inherited or acquired before his tenure and properly declared.
Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to vacate an interim forfeiture order placed on three of the 57 properties the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said were traced to him.
Malami, who is facing money laundering charges, maintains that the properties were either inherited or acquired before he assumed office, and therefore cannot be classified as proceeds of crime.
The properties he seeks to reclaim include:
- Plot 157, Lamido Crescent, Nasarawa GRA, Kano – purchased July 31, 2019
- A duplex and boys’ quarters at No. 12 Yalinga Street, Wuse II, Abuja – purchased October 2018 for ₦150 million
- ADC Kadi Malami Foundation Building – purchased for ₦56 million and allegedly held in trust for his late father’s estate
These properties were listed as Nos. 9, 18, and 48 in the schedule attached to the January 6, 2026 interim forfeiture order obtained by the EFCC.
Malami’s Requests to the Court
Through his lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, Malami filed two major prayers:
- A request to set aside the interim forfeiture order on the three properties, arguing they were fully declared in his asset declaration forms during his years in public office.
- An order restraining the EFCC from interfering with his possession or ownership of the properties while the case continues.
Malami Defends the Origins of His Assets
Malami told the court that all three properties were properly disclosed to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). He argued that the EFCC has not presented prima facie evidence proving they were acquired through criminal proceeds.
On Property No. 48, he said it belongs to the estate of his late father, Kadi Malami, and that he merely serves as trustee.
The court will determine whether the forfeiture order stands or whether the former AGF will regain control of the properties as the legal battle continues.