Nigeria's Federal High Court orders final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to ex-Attorney General Malami
A Nigerian court ruled on July 15 that 48 properties tied to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami must be permanently forfeited to the government, finding the respondents failed to rebut the EFCC's case that the assets were proceeds of crime
加入列表
还没有列表。
Summary
Nigeria's Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the permanent forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami to the Nigerian government on July 15. Judge Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the respondents had failed to rebut the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's case that the assets were acquired through unlawful activities. Malami, who served as attorney-general and minister of justice under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is separately facing money laundering charges. The EFCC described the ruling as a win for Nigeria's anti-corruption enforcement.
Why it matters
As Nigeria's top law officer under Buhari, Malami was the country's chief law enforcement official while allegedly accumulating these assets; the forfeiture ruling signals that the EFCC's pursuit of high-office corruption can result in permanent asset recovery, not just charges. It also tests whether President Tinubu's reform agenda extends to prosecuting officials from the previous administration.
What to watch
- Whether the money laundering charges against Malami proceed to trial
- Whether Malami or co-respondents appeal the forfeiture order
- How the government disposes of the forfeited properties