Malami Battles EFCC in Court Over ₦15.5bn Assets, Files 40-Page Defence

Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has filed a 40-page counter-affidavit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, opposing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) move to permanently forfeit more than 50 properties allegedly linked to him, his family, and 14 companies.

The EFCC had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order on January 6, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026, granted by Justice Emeka Nwite, placing the assets under temporary control pending determination of the substantive case. The properties reportedly include houses, hotels, schools, factories, and landed assets across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi States, which the EFCC described as “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.”

Malami strongly rejected the allegation, insisting in his affidavit that there was no prima facie evidence linking the properties to any unlawful activity. He maintained that all assets were lawfully acquired, properly documented, and declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) long before the EFCC began its investigation.

To support his defence, Malami presented a breakdown of what he described as ₦15.5 billion in lawful income between 2015 and 2023. According to him, the funds include ₦374.6 million earned as salary and allowances during his tenure as Attorney-General, ₦10.01 billion from business turnover, ₦3.52 billion in bank loans, ₦958 million received as wedding gifts, and ₦509.8 million from book launches.

He also listed several companies linked to his investments, including Rayhaan Hotels, Zeennoor Hotels, Meethaq Hotels, Rayhaan Bustan Agro Allied, Azbir Arena, and Rayhaan University. Malami further accused the EFCC of inflating asset valuations, claiming that a Maitama property valued at ₦5.95 billion by the commission was actually purchased for about ₦500 million. He also disputed the ₦56 billion valuation of Rayhaan University’s permanent site, insisting independent valuation reports supported much lower figures.

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In a more personal section of his affidavit, Malami alleged that EFCC operatives forcibly evicted his family from six Abuja properties on March 24, 2026, before any final forfeiture order was issued. He claimed his wives and children, including minors, were removed from the homes, while important documents were allegedly seized during a 25-day detention in December 2025.

He further alleged that the interim order has already affected his businesses, saying NEXIM Bank recalled a ₦1.122 billion loan linked to one of his companies, while Zenith Bank began imposing additional charges on related facilities following the court ruling.

Malami also argued that several of the disputed properties were acquired before his tenure as Attorney-General between 2006 and 2013, including assets linked to Rayhaan Hotel in Kano and the Malami Support Organisation Building. He added that some properties were tied to pre-existing legal and business arrangements, while others belonged to his late father’s estate and were held in trust for family members.

He referenced asset declaration forms submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau in 2015, 2019, and 2023, insisting all contested properties were properly declared before the EFCC case began.

The case is also tied to an ongoing criminal matter marked FHC/CR/700/2025, in which Malami has pleaded not guilty. His legal team argues that since the allegations are still being contested in court, the EFCC’s forfeiture application is premature.

Malami’s counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), described the EFCC’s interim order as based on speculation rather than evidence, insisting that due process must be followed before any permanent seizure can be made.

The court has directed interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government. Justice Emeka Nwite is expected to fix a hearing date to determine whether the interim order will be lifted or made final.

For now, the properties remain under EFCC custody pending the court’s final decision, while both parties prepare for a major legal showdown. The EFCC has not issued any fresh public comment on Malami’s latest filing.

Malami Battles EFCC in Court Over ₦15.5bn Assets, Files 40-Page Defence

Jet A1 Crisis: NAHCON Engages Presidency to Prevent Possible Increase in 2026 Hajj Fares

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has intensified consultations with the Presidency over the ongoing surge in Jet A1 aviation fuel prices, in a bid to prevent a possible increase in the cost of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage for Nigerian intending pilgrims.

The development comes amid growing concern that the sharp rise in fuel prices could significantly increase airline operating costs just days before the commencement of outbound airlift operations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At the time the Hajj airlift contracts were signed with four approved airlines—Max Air, Air Peace, Umza Air Services, and Saudi-based FlyNas—Jet A1 was reportedly priced at about ₦1,000 per litre. However, the commodity has now surged to as high as ₦3,000 per litre in some locations, raising fears of potential fare adjustments.

NAHCON’s spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, confirmed that the commission has formally written to the Presidency seeking urgent intervention over the rising cost of aviation fuel and its potential impact on the Hajj exercise.

According to her, the Presidency responded by requesting detailed information on the quantity of Jet A1 required by each of the airlines involved in the airlift operation. She added that the airlines have since submitted the requested data, which has been forwarded back to the Presidency for further consideration.

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Usara also disclosed that NAHCON’s leadership has been actively engaging relevant federal authorities. She said the Commission’s Chairman/CEO, Amb. Ismaila Abba Yusuf, recently met with the President’s Economic Adviser, alongside officials from the Ministry of Aviation and the Ministry of Petroleum, to discuss possible solutions to the crisis.

The discussions, she explained, focused on how to cushion the impact of rising Jet A1 prices on Hajj operations and ensure that intending pilgrims are not burdened with additional costs at this critical stage of preparations.

She assured that NAHCON remains committed to delivering a smooth and hitch-free 2026 Hajj exercise despite the prevailing challenges in the aviation sector.

“The commission has put all necessary plans in place to ensure a successful and hitch-free Hajj exercise,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has said that pilgrims registered under private tour operators are unlikely to be affected by any fare increase.

AHUON President, Alhaji Abdul Lateef Ekundayo, explained that private operators had already paid for flight tickets and secured bookings for their clients, adding that no airline had communicated any additional charges.

A private tour operator who spoke anonymously also confirmed that fares for privately sponsored pilgrims had already been settled, making it unlikely for the fuel price increase to affect them at this stage.

However, aviation and Hajj stakeholders have warned that the situation could still impact overall operations if urgent intervention is not provided.

The National Coordinator of the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), Ibrahim Muhammad, said the sharp rise in Jet A1 prices could disrupt airlift arrangements unless both federal and state governments step in to cover the gap between earlier cost projections and current fuel prices.

He added that increasing Hajj fares at this stage would be difficult and could create further challenges for intending pilgrims.

Similarly, aviation stakeholders under the Concerned Aviation Stakeholders group warned that airlines may struggle to operate efficiently due to rising costs, stressing that without government support, the burden may eventually fall on pilgrims or the operators.

With the commencement of the 2026 Hajj airlift approaching, attention is now focused on the Federal Government’s response as NAHCON continues high-level negotiations to stabilize costs and prevent disruptions to the pilgrimage exercise.

Jet A1 Crisis: NAHCON Engages Presidency to Prevent Possible Increase in 2026 Hajj Fares

BREAKING: Gunmen Invade Ekiti Church Crusade, Kill Pastor, Abduct Worshippers

Pandemonium broke out on Tuesday evening in Eda Oniyo community, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, after suspected gunmen invaded an open-air church crusade, killing a pastor and abducting several worshippers.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the crusade ground on the outskirts of the community in large numbers, opening fire sporadically and causing worshippers to flee in different directions.

Multiple community sources said the armed men operated for several minutes before whisking away an unspecified number of victims into a nearby forest.

“This evening, gunmen invaded a church around the outskirts of Eda Oniyo during a programme. They abducted several worshippers, including elderly persons and children,” one source said.

“They shot the pastor and took the worshippers into the forest. They came in large numbers and were heavily armed.”

The slain cleric was said to be the officiating pastor of the crusade, while other worshippers were reportedly injured during the attack.

Although the exact number of abducted persons is yet to be confirmed, residents said the incident has thrown the entire community into panic and fear.

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A resident described the attack as sudden and coordinated, noting that the gunmen operated without resistance before fleeing into the surrounding bush paths with their victims.

A top government official and member of the state’s security committee, who spoke under anonymity, confirmed the incident and said security operatives had already been deployed to the area.

According to the official, combined teams of police officers, local security outfits and vigilantes have begun a search-and-rescue operation in nearby forests to locate the abducted worshippers and track the attackers.

“Yes, some worshippers were kidnapped in Eda Oniyo today. Security agencies are already involved. Operatives have been deployed and are on the trail of the attackers,” the source said.

The official added that the government is working to ensure the safe rescue of all victims.

Meanwhile, attempts to obtain an official reaction from the Ekiti State Police Command were unsuccessful as calls and messages sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, were not returned at the time of filing this report.

The attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Nigeria, where armed groups have increasingly targeted rural communities, highways, and gatherings, including religious events.

Security analysts have warned that isolated communities and open-air religious gatherings remain vulnerable due to limited surveillance and delayed emergency response times.

Residents of Eda Oniyo and neighbouring communities have called for urgent deployment of more security personnel to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the area.

As of press time, authorities had not released the exact number of abducted worshippers, while search operations were ongoing in surrounding forested areas.

BREAKING: Gunmen Invade Ekiti Church Crusade, Kill Pastor, Abduct Worshippers