Malami Fights Back: Ex-AGF Challenges EFCC in Court Over Seized Properties

Former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami has stepped up his legal fight against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, presenting fresh arguments in court challenging the interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to him and insisting none of the assets were acquired with proceeds of crime.

In arguments before the court this week, Malami’s legal team accused the EFCC of building its case on speculation rather than hard evidence, and alleged that the agency has significantly inflated the valuation of the seized properties. The phrase “no proof of illicit funds” encapsulated the defence’s position — a direct attack on the EFCC’s basis for the interim forfeiture order.

A Case That Has Been Building Since February

Malami first moved to set aside the forfeiture order in February 2026, when he asked the court to lift the interim orders covering the 57 assets. A hearing was subsequently scheduled for April 21, and the latest arguments this week represent the continuation of those proceedings.

Malami served as Attorney General and Minister of Justice under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023. Since the change of government, the EFCC has targeted assets allegedly linked to him as part of a wider accountability push against figures from the previous administration. The interim forfeiture was obtained as a precautionary measure to prevent asset disposal while investigations proceeded.

His counter-challenge does not vacate the forfeiture immediately, but it puts the burden on the EFCC to defend its case with concrete evidence in open court — something Malami’s team is betting the commission cannot fully do.

Court proceedings are ongoing. NaijaTrend will follow the outcome.

Sources: Leadership, The Nigeria Lawyer, The Radar