Malami's Kano House Abandoned, Hotel Still Open

One of the houses in Kano State linked to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami is now empty after it was taken over by the federal government. But a hotel that was also seized is still running.

Judge Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court approved the forfeiture request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). She said Mr Malami and others claiming the properties could not show they acquired them legally.

The seized properties are estimated to be worth N180.4 billion. This includes hotels, a university, malls, companies, residential houses, and more in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and Birnin Kebbi, which is Mr Malami's hometown.

Still, Mrs Abdulmalik released nine out of the 57 assets the EFCC presented for final forfeiture. The judge noted that the EFCC did not convincingly prove these nine properties were acquired illegally.

The EFCC began the forfeiture process in January for assets worth over N212 billion. They claim Mr Malami gained these properties through illegal activities while he served as AGF from 2015 to 2023.

Mr Malami, along with 14 others including his family, his university, hotels, and companies affected by the ruling, filed to challenge the interim order. They insist they acquired the assets in a legal manner.

The family members who challenged the order include his sons, Abdulaziz and Abiru, and his wife, Asabe Bashir. Others include Rayhaan Bustan, Agro Allied Ltd, Mountain View Gold and Jewellery Ltd, Amasdul Oil and Gas Limited, Azbir Arena Nigeria Ltd, Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Rayhaan University Ltd/GTE, Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, and Zeenoor Hotels Ltd.

Also challenging are Kwasar Ben of Brahim, Mutkataka Usman Junju, and Real Edge Agro Services.

During a visit by PREMIUM TIMES, Zeenoor Hotels Ltd in Kano was busy, with guests coming and going. However, reception staff did not want to talk about the forfeiture. One said, "All I can tell you is that we are still in operation. I cannot tell you anything more than that."

A security guard at the hotel’s entrance said they were aware of the situation. "I was briefed at the station about the final forfeiture of the hotel to the federal government. I was told that they are coming any moment from now to take over the facility," a police officer said.

At No. 9 Ahmadu Bello Way, a residential property less than 200 meters from the Kano Government House, security personnel said the building was empty. Mobile police officers were securing the property.

Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, told PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday that the commission is slowly taking over the properties following the court’s order.

Mr Oyewale mentioned that properties still operational in Kano, like Zeenoor Hotels Ltd, are being occupied illegally. He added that the EFCC has already taken over the property at No. 9 Ahmadu Bello Way. All other properties affected will be gradually recovered by the government.

"Any affected properties not yet secured by the commission are currently being occupied illegally," the EFCC official stated.