Former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami has taken legal action against the EFCC over the temporary seizure of several properties, insisting the assets were lawfully acquired and should not be treated as proceeds of crime.
In documents filed before the Federal High Court, Malami argued that the anti-graft agency failed to connect the listed properties to any criminal conduct. He maintained that the assets came from earnings built over decades through legal practice and investments in different sectors, including business ventures in hospitality, agriculture and education.
Malami also told the court that some of the properties were financed through bank loans, asset sales and other lawful sources of income. According to his position before the court, his earnings and assets were properly declared in line with legal requirements.
Part of his argument is that the valuation of the assets presented in the forfeiture case was overstated. He claimed some properties bought for far lower amounts were portrayed as worth much more in an effort to strengthen the case against him.
He said independent assessments show different figures from those presented by investigators.
Beyond challenging the basis of the forfeiture order, Malami also accused the commission of acting outside due process. He alleged that some properties were taken over without a final order from the court and claimed family members were affected during enforcement actions tied to the case.
The dispute is now shaping into a major legal battle over the limits of asset forfeiture powers and the procedures agencies must follow in such cases. The matter is also linked to a broader case involving allegations against the former justice minister.
Malami is asking the court to cancel the interim forfeiture order and return the properties, maintaining they have no connection to illegal activity. The court is expected to determine whether the assets remain under forfeiture proceedings or are released back to him.