By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A Federal High Court in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja on Wednesday ordered the final forfeiture of about 48 properties linked to the country’s former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
Judge Joyce Abdulmalik granted the forfeiture application filed by anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying that the former Minister and others laying claim to the assets failed to prove that they lawfully acquired them.
The judge has earlier dismissed several applications, motions on notice and objections filed by Malami, his family members and some companies claiming ownership of the properties, holding that they lack in merit.
The issue before the court was not “who owns the property, but how legitimate are the funds used to acquire the properties”, the court held.
According to the judge, the respondents had “not dislodged the reasonable suspicion that the property was acquired by unlawful activities.”
She however vacated the interim forfeiture order in respect of some of properties. EFCC had presented 57 properties linked to Mr Malami for final forfeiture.
The final forefeiture does not amount to criminal conviction or guilt of anyone, as Mr Malami, his wife and son are jointly facing charges some of which involve illegitimate acquisition of funds with suspicious origins.
The anti-graft agency had instituted the civil forfeiture proceedings in January, seeking the permanent forfeiture of the 57 properties valued at N212.8 billion, which were alleged to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Malami, an influential Minister under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Now in opposition, Malami is seeking election as governor of Kebbi State in northern region. He has said corruption allegation against him is politically motivated, denying any wrongdoing.
