Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has taken a firm legal stand against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the seizure of several properties linked to him.
The dispute is now before the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja. It follows an interim forfeiture order obtained earlier by the anti-graft agency. The order affected multiple assets said to be under investigation.
Malami, in court documents seen on Monday, pushed back strongly against the claims. He insisted that his wealth and properties were acquired legally over many years. He tied them to his career as a lawyer, as well as investments and other income sources.
“My Money Is Clean, My Properties Are Legit,” he declared while challenging the action in court.
The EFCC had argued that the properties may be linked to proceeds of crime. That position formed the basis of the interim forfeiture order granted in January 2026. But Malami said the agency failed to establish any direct connection between the assets and illegal activity.
“There is no document before the court showing these properties were acquired with proceeds of crime,” he stated.
He also accused the commission of presenting exaggerated figures for the value of the properties. According to him, assets bought for hundreds of millions of naira were portrayed as being worth billions. He said independent valuations show lower and more realistic figures.
Malami explained that his earnings came from different channels. He listed decades of legal practice, business ventures, and investments across sectors such as hospitality, agriculture, and education. He also mentioned financial support from banks and proceeds from asset sales.
“Loans from commercial banks, asset sales and other investments. Gifts and proceeds from book launches.”
He added that all his earnings were properly declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau in line with legal requirements.
Beyond the financial arguments, the former AGF accused the EFCC of going beyond its powers. He alleged that some of the properties were taken over without a final court order. He further claimed that family members were forced out of residences and personal documents were seized.
He described the actions as “extrajudicial” and a violation of due process.
The legal battle is also tied to an ongoing criminal case involving the former minister. Observers say the outcome could test the limits of the EFCC’s powers, especially in relation to asset forfeiture and compliance with the law.
Malami is asking the court to nullify the interim forfeiture order. He maintains that the properties are legitimate and have no link to any crime.
The court is expected to determine whether the assets will be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government or returned to him.
