The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has continued investigations into alleged assets linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), following reports of the interim forfeiture of 57 properties connected to him.
The development is part of broader anti-corruption efforts by the commission targeting alleged financial misconduct by senior public officials who served between 2015 and 2023. The EFCC has in recent years secured several interim and final forfeiture orders covering cash, landed properties, vessels and other assets suspected to be proceeds of crime.
The commission’s action against Malami follows earlier investigations involving a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, who was linked to hundreds of housing units in Abuja during ongoing probes.
Investigators have indicated that the alleged acquisition of large numbers of properties could not have been carried out by individuals acting alone, pointing to possible involvement of other officials and financial institutions. Sources familiar with the investigations said efforts are ongoing to trace additional assets and establish the roles of collaborators.
Concerns have also been raised over the management and documentation of assets forfeited to the Federal Government over the years. Analysts have called for a comprehensive public register detailing forfeited assets and how they are managed or disposed of by relevant authorities.
In addition, questions have been raised about large financial interventions during the period under review, including funds reportedly advanced by the Central Bank of Nigeria to the Federal Government under the Ways and Means arrangement, and whether due legislative approvals were obtained.
The EFCC, alongside other oversight bodies such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the National Assembly, is expected to expand scrutiny beyond individual suspects as investigations continue.
Neither Malami nor other officials mentioned in the investigations have been convicted, and all allegations remain subject to judicial determination.
