By Muhammad Mamman
•Former AGF lists ₦10.1bn from business and ₦958m in gifts as he challenges the interim seizure of 57 properties linked to him.
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has told a Federal High Court that he legitimately earned over ₦11.5 billion from salaries, private business ventures and gifts from personal associates, as he seeks to overturn an interim order authorising the seizure of 57 properties allegedly linked to him.
In documents filed before the court, Malami disclosed that he earned ₦374 million from salaries during his years in public service, ₦10.17 billion from private business interests, and ₦958 million as gifts received from personal friends.
The former justice minister is challenging an interim forfeiture order that directed relevant authorities to take custody of the properties, pending the determination of an ongoing investigation. He argued that the assets were lawfully acquired and that the seizure order was granted without giving him the opportunity to be heard.
Malami further maintained that his earnings were accumulated over several years and were duly declared in line with applicable laws, insisting that the properties in question were not proceeds of unlawful activity.
He urged the court to vacate the interim order, describing it as prejudicial and a violation of his constitutional right to fair hearing.
The court has adjourned the matter to a later date to hear arguments from all parties before ruling on the application.
