A legal battle is unfolding between Abubakar Malami and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the seizure of several high-value properties, with the former AGF insisting his assets were legitimately acquired.
In filings before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Malami challenged the interim forfeiture order issued in January 2026, arguing that the anti-graft agency failed to establish any credible link between the properties and criminal proceeds. He described the claims as unsubstantiated and lacking concrete evidence.
A key part of his defence centers on valuation disputes, as he accused the EFCC of exaggerating the worth of his assets to strengthen its case. According to him, independent assessments contradict the figures presented by the commission.
Malami outlined multiple sources of income, including decades of legal practice, business ventures, loans, and proceeds from asset sales, maintaining that all earnings were properly declared to relevant authorities.
He also raised concerns over the manner in which the forfeiture was carried out, alleging that officials acted beyond their powers by taking control of properties and displacing occupants without a final court ruling.
The case is expected to test the limits of the EFCC’s authority in asset recovery and determine whether the properties will remain under government control or be returned to their owner.
