…Universities, Hotels, Radio Station Listed In Kebbi, Kano, Abuja
…Son Arraigned On 16-Count Money Laundering Charge
Daud Olatunji
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has traced 41 high-value properties allegedly linked to a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), with a combined estimated value of about N212.9bn.
The properties, comprising hotels, residential buildings, schools, factories, lands, a radio station and a printing press, are spread across Kebbi and Kano states as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
According to documents sighted by PLATFORM TIMES on Wednesday, the anti-graft agency has also filed a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering against Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, before a Federal High Court.
The offences are said to be contrary to Sections 15, 18 and 21 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
A breakdown of the assets showed that properties traced to Kebbi State accounted for the bulk of the valuation, estimated at N162.19bn.
These include several educational institutions under the Rayhaan brand, notably Rayhaan University’s permanent site valued at N56bn, its temporary site put at N37.8bn, and a third site estimated at N2.45bn.
Other education-related assets include Rayhaan Model Academy and Rayhaan Primary and Secondary School, together valued at over N19bn.
Also listed in Kebbi are agro-allied factories, staff quarters, a printing press, a radio station, hotels, filling station structures, luxury residences linked to Malami and his children, as well as properties allegedly owned by foundations and political support organisations associated with the former minister.
In Kano State, properties allegedly linked to Malami were valued at about N16.01bn. These include Zeennoor Hotel, Zeennoor Mosque, an old hotel building, Rayhaan Hotel Kano, Rayhaan Gym and a residential property reportedly owned by his wife along Ahmadu Bello Way.
In Abuja, the EFCC said it identified properties worth N34.69bn, including two Meethaq Hotels located in Jabi and Maitama, a duplex on Amazon Street in Maitama, Harmonia Hotel in Area 11, Garki, and 42 bungalow units at Efab Estate.
Sources familiar with the investigation told PLATFORM TIMES that the EFCC is seeking forfeiture of the properties, alleging that they were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities during Malami’s tenure in office.
Malami served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under the administration of former
President Muhammadu Buhari. He has yet to publicly respond to the latest allegations as of the time of filing this report.
The development comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to pursue high-profile corruption cases and recover assets believed to have been illicitly acquired by public officials.
Court proceedings in the matter are expected to commence in the coming weeks.
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