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Malami Challenges EFCC in Court Over Seized Assets, Claims Lawful Wealth
Malami Challenges EFCC in Court Over Seized Assets, Claims Lawful Wealth
Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has escalated his legal fight against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the seizure of multiple properties allegedly linked to him, insisting his wealth is lawful and transparently acquired.
The dispute is currently before the Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja, following an interim forfeiture order earlier secured by the EFCC in January 2026. The order temporarily transferred control of several high-value assets to the Federal Government pending the outcome of investigations.
In fresh court filings submitted on Monday, Malami strongly rejected the allegations, maintaining that there is no evidence connecting the properties to proceeds of crime. He argued that the anti-graft agency failed to meet the legal threshold required for such a forfeiture.
“My Money Is Clean, My Properties Are Legit,” Malami declared, challenging the legality of the EFCC’s actions and urging the court to set aside the order.
The former AGF accused the EFCC of relying on speculative claims and inflated valuations to justify the seizure. According to him, properties acquired for hundreds of millions of naira were allegedly misrepresented as being worth billions, a move he described as misleading and prejudicial.
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He further told the court that his wealth accumulated over decades through legitimate means, including his legal career, investments, and business ventures spanning sectors such as hospitality, agriculture, and education. He also cited bank loans, proceeds from asset sales, gifts, and earnings from book launches as part of his income sources.
Malami insisted that all his assets were duly declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau in compliance with constitutional requirements for public officials, stressing that transparency had always guided his financial dealings.
Beyond disputing the financial claims, Malami accused the EFCC of overstepping its powers. He alleged that some properties were taken over without a final court आदेश and that occupants, including family members, were forcefully evicted while personal documents were seized.
He described the commission’s actions as “extrajudicial” and a violation of due process and fundamental human rights.
Legal experts note that under Nigerian law, interim forfeiture orders are typically granted ex parte to prevent the dissipation of suspected illicit assets. However, affected parties retain the right to challenge such orders by providing evidence of legitimate ownership—an avenue Malami is now actively pursuing.
The EFCC, on its part, has maintained that the assets under investigation may be linked to illicit enrichment, forming the basis of its application for forfeiture. While the agency has not publicly detailed all the evidence in this case, it has intensified scrutiny of former public officials in recent years as part of broader anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.
The case is also connected to a broader legal scrutiny involving the former minister, further raising its profile as a potential test of the EFCC’s authority in asset recovery matters.
Malami is asking the court to nullify the interim forfeiture order and direct the immediate return of his properties, maintaining that they have no connection to any criminal activity.
The court is expected to determine whether the assets will be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government or released back to him, a decision that could shape future interpretations of asset seizure laws and due process in Nigeria.
Malami Challenges EFCC in Court Over Seized Assets, Claims Lawful Wealth
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Democracy Day: FG Declares June 12 Public Holiday
Democracy Day: FG Declares June 12 Public Holiday
The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, as a public holiday to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebration in Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, in a statement released in Abuja.
According to the statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, Democracy Day remains a significant milestone in Nigeria’s political history, symbolising the country’s long struggle for democratic governance.
The government said the day honours the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians who played key roles in the return to civilian rule, particularly in connection with the historic events surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
It added that the legacy of June 12 continues to shape Nigeria’s democratic values, including accountability, civic responsibility, and respect for the rule of law.
Minister Tunji-Ojo reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening democracy in Nigeria, stressing that the administration remains focused on promoting transparency, accountability, inclusive governance, and the rule of law.
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He also assured Nigerians that security agencies have been directed to intensify surveillance and operational readiness across the country to ensure the safety of lives and property during the holiday period.
According to him, a secure environment remains essential for sustaining democracy and supporting national development.
The minister urged Nigerians to use the Democracy Day celebration as an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to national unity, lawful conduct, and civic responsibility.
He encouraged citizens to continue supporting democratic institutions, noting that the strength of any democracy depends on the participation and character of its people.
“As we mark this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding, uphold the institutions that sustain our democracy, and remember that the strength of any democracy lies ultimately in the character of its citizens,” he said.
Democracy Day is observed annually on June 12 in honour of Nigeria’s democratic journey and the significance of the 1993 election, widely regarded as a turning point in the nation’s political development.
Democracy Day: FG Declares June 12 Public Holiday
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