The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in a ruling that adds another layer to growing public scrutiny over the stewardship of top public officials.
Delivering judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the assets were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities and should therefore be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The court ruled that Malami failed to satisfactorily explain the sources of funds used in acquiring the properties, despite opportunities to challenge the allegations.
Arguments that some of the assets belonged to members of his extended family were dismissed, with the court stressing that the central issue was the legitimacy of the funds used to obtain them.
The ruling followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which argued that the properties were linked to suspected financial crimes.
The decision is likely to reignite debate about accountability among former public office holders, particularly those who occupied powerful positions during previous administrations.
Critics say the case highlights persistent concerns about transparency in government and the slow pace of anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria.
