The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has publicly released photographs of high-value properties allegedly tied to Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, as part of its ongoing anti-graft investigation.
TheCable obtained the images showing some of the assets traced by the commission, which are at the centre of a sprawling corruption and money-laundering probe.
According to court filings and official disclosures, the EFCC has traced 41 properties valued at approximately N212.9 billion to Malami. The asset portfolio spans multiple classes of real estate, including:
- Hotels and hospitality facilities
- Residential estates and luxury homes
- Commercial properties (including schools and printing press facilities)
- Landed property holdings
These properties are geographically distributed across Kebbi State, Kano State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, representing one of the most extensive tracking operations involving a former senior government official in Nigeria.
TheCable’s report includes visual documentation of several of these assets, illustrating the scale and diversity of the properties.
The released pictures form part of the anti-graft agency’s evidence portfolio, intended to demonstrate the physical footprint of the disputed wealth.
Legal Action and Charges
In conjunction with the asset trace, the Federal Government has filed a 16-count money-laundering charge against Malami and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The prosecution alleges that the duo engaged in multiple schemes to launder and conceal funds, including the use of corporate fronts such as Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited.
These charges assert that transactions conducted between 2018 and 2025 involved the concealment of proceeds from unlawful activities through bank accounts and property acquisitions, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
Government and EFCC Position
The EFCC has stated that the properties and related financial movements form part of a broader pattern of alleged corruption during Malami’s tenure in public office.
Officials argue that the assets significantly exceed the legitimate income he declared while serving as Nigeria’s chief law officer.
In parallel, the federal government is seeking judicial orders for the forfeiture of these assets to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, invoking provisions in the EFCC Establishment Act for non-conviction-based asset recovery.
Response from Malami’s Camp
Malami’s legal team has contested some aspects of the EFCC’s actions, particularly regarding procedural matters such as bail service and asset linkage.
They maintain that certain court orders were properly served and dispute claims of non-receipt by the anti-graft agency, a point underscored amidst tensions over bail conditions.
This development follows months of intensified scrutiny of Malami’s financial affairs, including investigations into bank accounts and other financial activities linked to him.
The EFCC has previously conducted coordinated raids on properties and offices connected to the former AGF as part of this probe.
Illustrative Images Released by EFCC
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