FULL LIST: Buhari’s Ex-Ministers, Top Officials Facing Corruption Trials, Multi-Billion Asset Forfeitures Under Tinubu

• Several high-profile officials who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari are facing corruption trials, criminal prosecutions, and multi-billion-naira asset forfeitures under the Tinubu administration.

Barely two years after President Bola Tinubu assumed office, several senior officials from the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari have come under intense scrutiny over alleged corruption, with some facing criminal trials while others have forfeited assets worth billions of naira.

In the last 72 hours alone, two of Buhari’s former top appointees suffered major legal setbacks after courts ordered the forfeiture of properties and assets linked to alleged proceeds of crime.

Abubakar Malami

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, recorded one of the biggest asset forfeitures in recent years after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the permanent forfeiture of 48 properties linked to him.

The court ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had established reasonable grounds to believe the assets were proceeds of unlawful activities.

The forfeited assets reportedly include Rayhaan University, Rayhaan Radio, hotels, factories, filling stations, commercial plazas, residential estates and hundreds of hectares of land spread across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that Malami and 14 other respondents failed to prove the assets were acquired through legitimate means.

Godwin Emefiele

Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, also suffered another legal blow after the Supreme Court upheld the final forfeiture of $2.045 million, seven luxury properties and two share certificates linked to him.

The apex court overturned an earlier Court of Appeal judgment that had ordered a retrial, restoring the Federal High Court’s decision that the assets were reasonably suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities.

The ruling adds to previous recoveries from Emefiele, including the forfeiture of a 753-unit housing estate in Abuja secured by the EFCC in December 2024.

Sadiya Umar Farouq

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, is facing prosecution over alleged criminal conspiracy, abuse of office and the diversion of $1.3 million and ₦746.7 million in public funds.

In June 2026, an FCT High Court dismissed her application seeking to set aside a bench warrant issued for her arrest after she failed to appear before the court. She has denied all allegations.

Hadi Sirika

Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika remains on trial over alleged contract fraud involving ₦2.8 billion.

An EFCC investigator recently told the court that Sirika allegedly disguised an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft as Nigeria Air shortly before leaving office to create the impression that the national carrier had commenced operations.

Sirika is also facing another trial alongside his brother over an alleged ₦19.4 billion contract fraud. He and his co-defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Timipre Sylva

Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, was declared wanted by the EFCC in November 2025 over the alleged diversion of $14.85 million belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.

The anti-graft agency alleged the funds were meant for the Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited project.

Sylva has denied wrongdoing, insisting the allegations are politically motivated.

Chris Ngige

Former Labour and Employment Minister, Chris Ngige, was arraigned over an alleged ₦2.2 billion contract fraud involving the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.

He pleaded not guilty to charges bordering on abuse of office and allegedly receiving gifts from contractors during his time in office. He was later granted bail after being remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

Danladi Umar

Former Code of Conduct Tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar, is also standing trial on allegations of abuse of office and ₦15.59 million contract fraud.

The EFCC accused him of directing contractors handling projects for the tribunal to transfer funds into his wife’s bank accounts.

According to the commission, contractors allegedly paid millions of naira into the account in connection with painting and digitalisation projects awarded by the tribunal.

Umar pleaded not guilty and was later granted ₦100 million bail after an initial remand.

The ongoing investigations, prosecutions and asset forfeiture cases involving several former Buhari administration officials represent some of the most significant anti-corruption actions recorded since the Tinubu administration came into office, with multiple cases still pending before various courts.