‎The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly linked to a former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Malami Abubakar, SAN.
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‎Justice Emeka Nwite made the order after granting an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and argued by its counsel, Mr Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.
‎The properties are reportedly connected to Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, who are standing trial before the court over an alleged ₦8.7 billion money laundering offence.
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‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the assets, comprising mainly luxury residential and commercial properties, are located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states.
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‎Although the order was issued on Tuesday, NAN sighted its Certified True Copy (CTC) on Wednesday.
‎In his ruling, Justice Nwite said the court was convinced that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
‎“It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties described in Schedule One below, which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities,” the judge held.
‎He further directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national daily newspaper, inviting any individual or organisation with an interest in the properties to show cause within 14 days why a final forfeiture order should not be granted.
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‎The matter was adjourned to Jan. 27 for a report of compliance.
‎The properties listed include a luxury duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja; a two-winged storey building on Onitsha Crescent, Area 11, Garki; a five-storey hotel complex in Jabi District; several high-value properties in Maitama, Asokoro and Wuse areas of Abuja; commercial plazas and warehouses in Kebbi; as well as residential buildings in Kano and Kaduna states.
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‎NAN reports that some of the properties are valued at several billions of naira following extensive renovation and enhancement works.
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‎The EFCC alleges that the assets were acquired through proceeds of money laundering and other unlawful activities, claims to which the defendants are yet to respond, as the case remains before the court.