The investigation into former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has intensified as Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has identified 41 properties valued at a staggering ₦212 billion allegedly linked to the senior lawyer.
The expansive portfolio, detailed in preliminary findings, spans multiple states and property types, painting a picture of immense wealth accumulation during Malami's tenure as the nation's top law officer. The assets include luxury hotels, residential estates, prime commercial land, private schools, and a printing press.
A Breakdown of the N212 Billion Portfolio
The EFCC's asset tracing places the most significant value in Kebbi State, Malami's home state. The estimated worth of properties there stands at a colossal ₦162.2 billion. In Nigeria's commercial hub, Kano State, assets valued at ₦16 billion have been identified. Within the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), properties worth ₦34.7 billion are under scrutiny.
The case has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, moving beyond asset identification to active enforcement. In a decisive move, the Nigeria Police Force, acting on EFCC directives, recently seized control of the Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena in Kebbi State, both central to the EFCC's probe.
The Broader Investigation: From Asset Tracing to Seizure
Malami is under investigation for alleged money laundering and abuse of office. He was first invited for questioning by the EFCC on November 28, 2025. Since then, he has publicly accused the anti-graft agency of conducting "threatening" raids on his offices and residences in Abuja and Kebbi. In contrast, critics, including former presidential spokesman Josef Onoh, have accused Malami of hypocrisy and undermining the rule of law during his own tenure as AGF.
The ongoing investigation represents one of the most high-profile cases pursued by the EFCC under its current leadership. It underscores a significant confrontation between a former head of the nation's legal system, responsible for prosecuting corruption, and the very agency he once oversaw. The combination of a detailed asset list, active property seizures, and the allegations of grand corruption suggests a protracted legal and political battle lies ahead.
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