Special Report
by Chukwudi George Ozalla
Nigeria’s struggle with corruption returned sharply to public attention this week as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC uncovered a vast network of properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, with assets estimated at more than N212 billion spread across Kebbi State, Kano State and the Federal Capital Territory. The discoveries form part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering and abuse of office connected to Malami’s years in public service, reviving national debate about accountability among former holders of high office. From the era of military rule through successive civilian governments, corruption has remained one of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges, draining public resources and weakening trust in institutions. Several administrations have launched high-profile anti-corruption drives, often promising to break the cycle of impunity, yet many cases involving senior officials have ended in controversy, prolonged court battles or quiet settlements. The current probe into Malami, who once served as the nation’s chief law officer and custodian of its justice system, has therefore attracted particular attention, with observers describing it as a critical test of whether Nigeria’s anti-graft institutions can confront alleged wrongdoing at the highest levels without fear or favour.
According to court filings and investigative documents, the EFCC alleges that the properties were acquired through complex arrangements involving companies, associates and family members during and after Malami’s tenure in office. The assets cut across educational institutions, hotels, residential estates, factories, commercial buildings and luxury homes, painting a picture of extensive holdings accumulated over a relatively short period. Malami has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that his wealth was legitimately acquired and vowing to challenge the allegations through the courts as the legal process unfolds. The scale of the discoveries has nonetheless reignited public scrutiny of Nigeria’s political elite and renewed calls for stronger safeguards against the misuse of public office, particularly by those entrusted with enforcing the law.
In Kebbi State, investigators traced extensive assets linked to the Rayhaan and Azbir brands, including the permanent site of Rayhaan University valued at about N56 billion, a temporary university site estimated at N37.8 billion, a third university site valued at N2.45 billion, the university vice-chancellor’s residence worth about N490 million, Rayhaan Model Academy estimated at N11.2 billion, Rayhaan Primary and Secondary School valued at N8.75 billion, agro-allied factory buildings estimated at N4.2 billion, factory machines and plants worth about N10.5 billion, a factory mosque valued at N2.45 billion, staff quarters estimated at N1.487 billion, a commercial building worth N3.15 billion, a printing press valued at N1.05 billion, an oil and gas tanker garage estimated at N2.45 billion, an oil and gas structure valued at N1.05 billion, and a radio station worth about N78.75 million. Also in Kebbi are Azbir Hotel valued at about N10.325 billion, Azbir Gallery estimated at N581 million, Azbir Gardens worth N392 million, a mosque valued at N252 million, Azbir Clothing estimated at N350 million, and a pharmacy and supermarket valued at N175 million. Residential and support properties traced in the state include Malami’s GRA residence valued at N350 million, another house behind a filling station estimated at N490 million, a residence near a cemetery valued at N350 million, houses linked to his sons valued at over N4.6 billion combined, a support organisation building estimated at N210 million, a foundation building valued at N56 million, a security house worth about N245.7 million, and an uncompleted three-storey complex estimated at N665 million.
In Kano State, assets traced include Zeennoor Hotel valued at about N11.2 billion, a mosque estimated at N84 million, an old hotel building valued at N280 million, Rayhaan Hotel Kano estimated at N2.24 billion, a gym facility valued at N1.225 billion, and a residential property on Ahmadu Bello Way linked to Malami’s family valued at about N982.8 million. In the Federal Capital Territory, properties allegedly linked to Malami include a duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama valued at about N5.95 billion, Meethaq Hotel in Jabi estimated at N8.4 billion, Meethaq Hotel in Maitama valued at about N12.95 billion, 42 bungalows in Efab Estate estimated at N385 million, and Harmonia Hotels in Garki valued at about N7 billion. Following the asset tracing, the Federal Government filed a 16-count money laundering charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja against Malami, his son Abdulaziz and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, alleging unlawful acquisition and concealment of funds through a network of companies, bank accounts and property acquisitions across Abuja, Kano and Kebbi over several years. Nigerian police officers also took control of some of the properties linked to Malami in Birnin Kebbi, including Azbir Hotel and Azbir Arena, as part of the broader anti-graft probe.
Abubakar Malami SAN was born on April 17, 1967, in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. He studied law at Usmanu Danfodiyo University and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992, later obtaining a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Maiduguri. Malami built his career as a legal practitioner and public servant before rising to national prominence as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under President Muhammadu Buhari. During his tenure, he played a central role in major legal and constitutional matters and became one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s justice sector. His years in office were, however, marked by persistent public debate and controversy, setting the stage for the current investigation that now places his personal conduct and legacy under intense national scrutiny.
