N212 Billion Assets Forfeited to FG as EFCC Wins Landmark Case

In a landmark ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court has ordered the forfeiture of N212 billion assets to the federal government.

The assets, which include universities, hotels, mosques, and filling stations, were linked to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami and his family members. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had approached the court, seeking an order for the forfeiture of the assets, which it alleged were acquired through unlawful means. The commission had argued that the assets, which are spread across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna, were proceeds of corruption and should be forfeited to the government.

Malami and his family members had objected to the forfeiture, but failed to show that the assets were acquired through legitimate means. The court, in its ruling, held that the EFCC had proved reasonable suspicion that the assets were acquired through unlawful activities. The forfeited assets include Rayhaan University sites, hotels like Meethaq in Abuja, mosques, schools, and filling stations.

However, nine items were exempted from the forfeiture order. The EFCC has hailed the ruling as a major victory in its fight against corruption, saying that the forfeited assets would be used to bolster public funds. The commission's spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said that the ruling was a testament to the commission's commitment to fighting corruption and recovering stolen assets.

"This is a significant victory for the EFCC and a major milestone in our efforts to recover stolen assets and bring corrupt individuals to justice," Uwujaren said. The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for the fight against corruption in Nigeria, and has been hailed by anti-corruption groups as a major step forward.