Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has announced plans to appeal the Federal High Court judgment ordering the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to him.

The decision follows Wednesday’s ruling by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s application for the final forfeiture of the assets to the Federal Government.

In its judgment, the court held that Malami and the other claimants failed to prove the properties were acquired through lawful means, ruling that they did not rebut the reasonable suspicion that the assets were proceeds of unlawful activities.

Reacting in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami said he respectfully disagreed with aspects of the ruling and had instructed his legal team to immediately file an appeal before the Court of Appeal.

He stressed that the judgment was not the final determination of the case, noting that the appellate process exists to ensure legal issues are fully examined and fairly resolved.

Malami reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law, the Constitution and the independence of the judiciary, expressing confidence that justice would prevail at the appellate level.

He also urged the public and the media to avoid drawing premature conclusions while the appeal is pending, emphasising that every citizen has the constitutional right to seek judicial redress.

The former minister thanked the people of Kebbi State and Nigerians who have continued to support him, saying the court’s decision would not distract him from his commitment to public service. He also appealed to his supporters to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding as the legal process continues.