Ex-AGF challenges EFCC over ‘unlawful’ property forfeiture...

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has filed a suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the temporary seizure of several of his properties.

CBI News reports that the suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks to nullify the forfeiture order granted to the anti-graft agency.

In court documents, Malami maintained that all the properties listed in the January 2026 forfeiture order were acquired through legitimate means.

He said his income was derived from decades of legal practice, business ventures, and other declared sources.

The former minister argued that the EFCC failed to present sufficient evidence linking the properties to any criminal activity.

According to him, no record was produced to show that the assets were purchased with illicit funds.

Malami also challenged the valuation of the seized properties, alleging that the figures provided by the commission were significantly inflated.

He told the court that assets acquired for hundreds of millions of naira were listed as being worth billions.

Malami added that independent valuers had since provided lower estimates, which he said reflect the true market value.

The former AGF stated that his wealth came from multiple streams, including over 30 years of legal practice.

He also cited investments in hospitality, agriculture, and education, as well as income from bank loans, asset sales, and personal projects such as book launches.

Malami said all his assets and income were duly declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau in line with legal requirements for public officials.

Beyond the ownership dispute, Malami accused the EFCC of overstepping its legal authority during the seizure process.

He alleged that some properties were taken over without a final court order, with family members evicted and documents confiscated during the operation.

The court is yet to fix a date for hearing the case.