“In any sane country, that would be the end of his political career. In Nigeria, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) just gave him its governorship ticket for Kebbi State. The ADC, which claims to be an alternative to the APC, has given Malami its governorship ticket”
A former Attorney‑General owns 57 properties worth over N212 billion.
Hotels. Luxury homes. A university. A radio station. A 131‑room hotel in Kano. Factories. Schools. A printing press. A pharmacy. A mosque. A gym. A tanker garage.
He earned a minister’s salary for eight years.
Those numbers do not add up.
In any sane country, that would be the end of his political career. In Nigeria, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) just gave him its governorship ticket for Kebbi State.
The ADC, which claims to be an alternative to the APC, has given Malami its governorship ticket. Not despite his forfeiture. But with it. Their silence on his wealth is their endorsement.
They are not saying he is innocent. They are saying they do not care.
The Math
Malami’s official salary as Attorney‑General was about ₦7.8 million a year. Over eight years: roughly ₦62 million.
His forfeited properties are worth ₦212 billion.
For every naira he earned legitimately, he allegedly acquired over ₦3,400 worth of property.
Try explaining that to a market woman who earns ₦5,000 a day. Try explaining it to a teacher who has waited six months for her salary. Try explaining it to a graduate who has been jobless for three years.
You cannot.
What happens elsewhere
In the UK, they have Unexplained Wealth Orders. If your assets do not match your income, the government demands an explanation. If you cannot provide one, they seize the assets.
In the US, the Justice Department has a unit dedicated to tracking down the stolen assets of foreign officials. They have already returned over $50 million to Nigeria from one former official.
In Australia, the law reverses the burden of proof. You do not have to prove the politician is corrupt. The politician has to prove their wealth is legitimate.
In Singapore, corrupt politicians do not become governors. They become cautionary stories. Conviction carries up to 7 years in prison.
In all these places, Malami would be in court. His assets would be frozen. His political career would be over.
In Nigeria, he is running for governor.
The pattern
Malami is not alone.
Joshua Dariye was convicted of corruption. He returned to the Senate.
Orji Uzor Kalu was convicted of fraud. He returned to the Senate.
Olisa Metuh was convicted of money laundering. He remains a political figure.
Abdulrasheed Maina was convicted of money laundering. He remains a political figure and was recently awarded by an NBA branch.
In Nigeria, corruption is not a disqualification. It is a credential. It proves you are “connected.” It proves you can “play the game.”
The human cost
A mother in Kebbi struggles to feed her children. Her village has no clean water. Her primary school has no roof. Her clinic has no drugs.
Meanwhile, a former minister owns a university, a radio station, a 131‑room hotel, and 57 properties on total.
What does she think when she hears this news?
What does the teacher think when she sees her salary delayed for six months?
What does the graduate think when he sees a man who stole his future running for governor?
They think: “The system is rigged. Hard work does not matter. Corruption is the only path to success.”
And they are right.
What must change
1. Pass the Unexplained Wealth Bill.
It has been languishing in the National Assembly for years. It would require politicians to explain their wealth. If they cannot, the state can seize it.
2. Establish an independent crime assets agency.
The Senate passed a bill for this. But it must be truly independent – not captured by the people it is meant to investigate.
3. Sanction political parties.
If a party fields a candidate whose assets have been judicially forfeited, the party should face consequences.
4. Reject corruption at the ballot box.
This is the hardest reform. It requires citizens to say “no” to candidates with questionable wealth.
The question
Malami is a symptom. He is a symptom of a system that rewards
