The Digest:
Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has formally challenged a court's interim forfeiture order on three of his properties, asserting they were acquired through legitimate income. In a court filing, his counsel detailed sources including N374.6 million from salaries and allowances, N10 billion from business turnover, N2.5 billion in business loans, N574 million from asset sales, N958 million in traditional gifts from friends, and N509.9 million from a book launch. Malami argues the properties were declared to the Code of Conduct Bureau and that the EFCC obtained the order by suppressing facts. He seeks to have the order on the three specific properties set aside.
Key Points:
- The detailed breakdown of income presents a formal, legal defense against allegations of illicit wealth, shifting the burden of proof.
- It highlights the substantial non-salary earnings possible for high-profile public officials through business, gifts, and other ventures.
- The case tests the robustness of asset declaration as a shield against forfeiture proceedings if income sources are declared.
- It underscores the legal and reputational battles former officials can face long after leaving office, involving multiple agencies.
- The outcome will influence the standard of evidence required for asset forfeiture and the scrutiny applied to declared wealth.
Sources: Court filings and processes from the Federal High Court, Abuja.
