Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has appealed a Federal High Court judgment ordering the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to him to the Federal Government, escalating one of Nigeria’s most closely watched asset recovery cases.
The appeal follows a July 15, 2026 ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) application for final forfeiture after concluding that Malami and other claimants failed to provide sufficient evidence demonstrating that the assets were lawfully acquired.
The decision represents a significant development in Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign, where civil forfeiture proceedings have become an increasingly prominent tool for recovering assets alleged to have been acquired through illicit means.
In a statement issued through his media aide Mohammed Bello Doka, on Thursday, July 17, Malami confirmed that he had instructed his legal team to challenge the judgment before the Court of Appeal, insisting that the trial court’s decision should not be regarded as the final determination of the matter.
“While we hold the judiciary in the highest esteem, we firmly believe that this ruling does not represent the final determination of this matter,” the statement said.
According to the former minister, the appeal process has already commenced, expressing confidence that the appellate court will objectively review the legal and factual issues surrounding the forfeiture order.
Malami also urged Nigerians and political observers to refrain from drawing premature conclusions, arguing that the judicial process remains ongoing until the appellate court reaches a final verdict.
Legal experts note that under Nigeria’s judicial system, parties dissatisfied with a Federal High Court judgment have the constitutional right to seek redress at the Court of Appeal. The appellate court will examine whether the trial court correctly applied the law and properly evaluated the evidence presented by both parties.
The appeal is expected to focus on issues surrounding the admissibility and weight of evidence relied upon by the EFCC, as well as the interpretation of the legal burden placed on claimants in civil asset forfeiture proceedings.
The outcome could have broader implications for Nigeria’s asset recovery regime, particularly in cases involving former senior public officials. A decision by the Court of Appeal may clarify the evidentiary standards required in forfeiture proceedings and further shape judicial interpretation of anti-corruption laws.
For now, the case moves into a new phase of litigation, with legal observers closely watching whether the appellate court upholds or overturns the trial court’s ruling. The eventual judgment is expected to influence future high-profile asset recovery cases and reinforce the evolving legal framework governing the confiscation of suspected illicit assets in Nigeria.
