…Keeps him in custody despite bail
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), has uncovered 41 properties valued at more than ₦212 billion allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, intensifying one of the most high-profile corruption probes involving a former top government official.
The assets, traced to Kebbi State, Kano State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, reportedly include hotels, universities, schools, factories, fuel businesses, radio stations and luxury residential buildings. EFCC investigations put the total value of the properties at about ₦212.8 billion.
According to documents, Kebbi State accounts for the bulk of the assets, estimated at ₦162.1 billion. These include Rayhaan University (across multiple sites), Rayhaan Model Academy, Rayhaan Primary and Secondary Schools, staff quarters, factories, fuel tanker garages, hotels, shopping facilities, a printing press and a radio station, as well as several residential buildings linked to Malami and his family.
In Kano State, assets allegedly traced to Malami are valued at about ₦16 billion and include Zeennoor Hotel and its mosque, Rayhaan Hotel, a gym facility and a luxury residence said to belong to his wife. In the FCT, EFCC listed prime properties including duplexes in Maitama, two Meethaq Hotels in Jabi and Maitama, Harmonia Hotel in Garki, and 42 housing units at Efab Estate, collectively valued at ₦34.6 billion.
Following the discoveries, the Federal Government filed a 16-count charge of money laundering against Malami and his son, AbdulAziz Malami, under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. EFCC officials have hinted that additional legal actions could follow as investigations continue.
However, the case has taken a contentious turn, with Malami’s camp accusing the EFCC of defying a court order. Despite being granted bail by an Abuja High Court in an order dated December 23, 2025, Malami remains in EFCC custody.
In a statement yesterday, his media aide, Bello Doka, described the continued detention as illegal and a violation of the court’s directive. He insisted that Malami voluntarily presented himself for investigation and had met the bail conditions earlier imposed by the EFCC.
Doka further alleged that EFCC officials turned away a court bailiff who came to serve the bail order, warning that disobedience to court orders by a constitutional body could undermine public confidence in the justice system. He challenged the Commission to promptly arraign Malami in court if it has a solid case, rather than subject him to what he described as a media trial.
As of press time, the EFCC had not publicly responded to the allegations regarding Malami’s continued detention.
