Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to set aside an interim forfeiture order on properties seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

On January 6, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. The EFCC claims the assets, valued at approximately N213.23 billion, are linked to Malami and two of his sons.

The anti-graft agency obtained the order pending the conclusion of investigations into the source of funds used to acquire the properties, which it alleges were illegally obtained.

In court, Malami challenged the forfeiture and requested that the order be vacated, though the grounds for his application were not disclosed. The court has yet to fix a date for hearing the matter.

Earlier, the court directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, allowing interested parties 14 days to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited. The matter has been adjourned to January 27, 2026, for a compliance report.

The properties listed by the EFCC include luxury residences and hotels in Maitama, Asokoro, Jabi, and Garki areas of Abuja, as well as commercial properties and land in Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states.

Meanwhile, Malami, his wife Bashir Asabe, and his son Abdulaziz are standing trial before Justice Nwite over alleged N8.7 billion money laundering. On Wednesday, the court granted Malami bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties. The trial on the 16-count charge filed by the EFCC is scheduled to commence on February 17.