(see full list of properties)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has traced 41 high-value properties estimated at ₦212.9 billion to Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, in one of the most extensive asset-tracing exercises involving a former top public official in recent years. The properties are spread across Kebbi State, Kano State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, according to investigation documents.
The asset tracing is linked to an ongoing money-laundering investigation being prosecuted by the Federal Government. Malami and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, are facing a 16-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja, bordering on alleged laundering, concealment, and retention of proceeds suspected to be derived from unlawful activities, contrary to Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
Investigators disclosed that the traced assets include universities, hotels, residential buildings, factories, schools, oil and gas facilities, printing presses, religious centres, and undeveloped lands, raising serious questions about asset accumulation during and after Malami’s tenure as the nation’s chief law officer.
A significant portion of the properties is located in Kebbi State, Malami’s home state, where the EFCC estimates the assets to be worth ₦162.19 billion. These include multiple educational institutions, industrial facilities, hotels, and private residences allegedly linked directly or indirectly to the former minister and his family members.
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In Kano State, the EFCC traced properties valued at approximately ₦16.01 billion, largely comprising luxury hotels, commercial facilities, and residential buildings. The state is believed to host some of the most commercially active assets on the list, including large hospitality investments.
Meanwhile, assets traced to the Federal Capital Territory are estimated at ₦34.69 billion, featuring high-end hotels, a luxury duplex in Maitama, multiple housing units, and other prime real-estate holdings located in Abuja’s most expensive districts.
The EFCC maintains that the properties were allegedly acquired through complex ownership structures and fronts, making them difficult to trace at initial stages of investigation. However, sustained financial intelligence and asset-tracking efforts reportedly uncovered the scale of the holdings.
Malami has consistently denied wrongdoing in past public statements, insisting that his wealth was acquired through legitimate business interests and long-standing investments. The former minister is expected to challenge the allegations as the trial progresses.
Legal analysts note that the case could become a major test of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework, particularly in holding former high-ranking officials accountable and recovering assets believed to be proceeds of corruption.
The outcome of the trial may also influence future asset-declaration enforcement and strengthen public scrutiny of officials entrusted with safeguarding the rule of law.
As proceedings continue, the EFCC says it remains committed to ensuring that any assets proven to be proceeds of crime are forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with the law.
FULL LIST OF PROPERTIES TRACED TO ABUBAKAR MALAMI
Kebbi State – Estimated Value: ₦162,195,950,000
Rayhaan University (Permanent Site)
Rayhaan University (Temporary Site)
Rayhaan University (Third Site)
Vice-Chancellor’s Residence
Rayhaan Model Academy
Primary and Secondary School Complex
Factory Buildings
Factory Machines and Plant
Factory Mosque
10 Units of Factory Staff Quarters
Rayhaan Bustan Building
Printing Press
Al-Afiya Energy Tanker Garage
Amasdul Oil and Gas Structure
Rayhaan Radio Station
Azbir Hotel
Azbir Gallery
Azbir Gardens
Azbir Mosque
Azbir Clothing Store
Azbir Pharmacy and Supermarket
Malami’s GRA Residence
Residential House behind Mobil
Residential House behind Cemetery
Abdulaziz Malami’s House
Ahbiru Malami’s House
Malami Support Organisation Building
Kadi Malami Foundation Building
Rayhaan Security House
Uncompleted Three-Storey Building
Kano State – Estimated Value: ₦16,011,800,000
Zeennoor Hotel
Zeennoor Mosque
Zeennoor Old Hotel Building
Rayhaan Hotel, Kano
Rayhaan Gym, Kano
Residential House on Ahmadu Bello Way
Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) – Estimated Value: ₦34,685,000,000
Duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama
Meethaq Hotel, Jabi
Meethaq Hotel, Maitama
42 Bungalow Units at Efab Estate
Harmonia Hotel, Area 11, Garki
