On December 24, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) formally tracked 41 high-value assets worth N212.89 billion to former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami.
According to the anti-graft agency, the properties, which are spread across Kebbi, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were allegedly purchased with proceeds from illegal activities while he was Nigeria’s attorney general.
Who is Abubakar Malami?
He formerly served as Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice. He was born on April 17, 1967, in Birnin, Kebbi State. He received his law degree from Usmanu Danfodiyo University (1991). He also holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Maiduguri (1994). He is a lawyer who has served as a magistrate in Kebbi State. He is a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Malami as a chief law officer?
On November 11, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari (now late) named Abubakar Malami as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. He was sworn in after being confirmed by the Senate.
In August 2019, the late President Muhammadu Buhari reappointed Malami to the same position.Malami, as Minister of Justice, oversaw anti-corruption prosecutions, asset recovery (returning nearly $3 billion in looted monies), and legal reforms like as the Whistleblower Protection Act, among others.
During his tenure as minister of justice, he oversaw numerous legal reforms, including the National Judicial Policy, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the Virtual Automated Case Management System, the Justice Sector Reform Committee, and the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Framework, among others.
Malami’s initial escape?
Abubakar Malami’s trip to EFCC detention began in late 2022. WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that a confidential tip landed on the desk of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the tip, Malami was allegedly laundering money through construction firms and hotel chains.
However, the anti-graft agency did not work on the tip because Malami was still the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
Malami as a top suspect?
A former adviser to the previous minister of justice became a whistleblower just two years after a sensitive report was rejected.
In March 2024, the former aide strolled into the EFCC’s Abuja offices with bank statements, wire transactions, and audio recordings.
The report states that he provided evidence to support a 16-count money-laundering indictment.
The documents as released by the EFCC showed that Malami used his office as a minister to funnel public funds into private ventures—N1.01 billion through Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd, N1.36 billion via Meethaq Hotels Ltd, and dozens of properties worth over N212 billion.
EFCC’s Reaction?
The anti-graft agency in November 2024 opened a formal probe after whistleblower documents surfaced.
The agency in mid-December 2025 launched coordinated raids on his homes and offices in Abuja and Kebbi.
The agency on 23rd December 2025 also filed a 16-count money-laundering charge against Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and an associate, Hajia Bashir Asabe.
It also alleged that Malami, his son, and his associate used firms like Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd to conceal over ₦1 billion in a Sterling Bank account and launder ₦9 billion to acquire 30+ properties worth ≈ ₦212.8 billion across Abuja, Kano & Kebbi.
What did Malami illegally acquire?
Kebbi State—N162.19 billion—Rayhaan University campuses (permanent, temporary, and third sites), Rayhaan Model Academy & Primary/Secondary School, industrial assets like Al‑Afiya Energy Tanker Garage, Amasdul Oil & Gas structure, a printing press, and residential houses for Malami and his sons, plus foundation buildings.
Kano State—₦16.01 billion in assets, including Zeennoor Hotel (₦11.2bn), Rayhaan Hotel (₦2.24bn), Rayhaan Gym, and a luxury residence for his wife on Ahmadu Bello Way.FCT Abuja: ₦34.69 billion in prime locations: a duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama (₦5.95 bn); two branches of Meethaq Hotel (Jabi & Maitama) worth over ₦21 bn combined; Harmonia Hotels in Garki (₦7 bn); and 42 bungalows at Efab Estate.
Malami’s Arrest?
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed the estate of Malami situated in Abuja’s Maitama district around 6:30 a.m.
They took control of the estate, apprehended Malami, and took him to the commission’s headquarters, where he was formally charged with 16 counts of money laundering, conspiracy, and abuse of office.
The Legal Tussle?
Justice Oriji granted a 14-day remand on December 10. Malami’s lawyers filed for bail, citing his status as a former public servant.
Another judge identified as Justice Hassan also denied bail, citing the gravity of the charges.
Justice Bello Kawu was approached with a fresh application, who later granted interim bail on December 23, 2025.
However, the EFCC claimed that it was never served.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, are facing a 16‑count money‑laundering charge under Sections 15, 18, and 21 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
According to the EFCC, the assets will likely be subject to forfeiture proceedings pending the outcome of the case.
Aides of Malami Abubakar, ex-Justice Minister, have accused the anti-graft agency, EFCC, of deliberate disobedience of court orders.
The EFCC claimed that no bail order had been officially served. However, his case is set for hearing on Jan. 5, 2026. A check revealed that Malami could face up to 14 years in prison if convicted.