Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ibrahim Ramalan
Published on 2024-04-16 13:07:52
Asma’u Malami, the wife of late Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Shehu Malami, has taken her stepson and stepdaughter to court over her husband’s will. The other plaintiffs involved in the case are Mustapha, Sadiq, Amina, Zainab, and A’isha, who are all children of the late Malami and Asma’u. The respondents in the case are the deceased children Aminu and Hafsat.
During a hearing, the presiding Judge, Alkali Nasiru Jibdawa, admitted two wills left behind by the late Malami as exhibits. These wills were tendered through a witness, Alhaji Abdulkadir Bello. The plaintiffs’ Counsel, Mr. Nasiru Shehu-Na’ige, requested an explanation from the witness regarding the whereabouts of some properties including those in Maitama, Abuja, plots in Abuja, and a farm and house in Mambila, Taraba state.
The witness, Bello, disclosed that he is one of the property administrators appointed by a court in Abuja. He mentioned that the plots owned by the late Malami in Asokoro and Guzafe in Abuja were sold by the deceased. Additionally, a farm and house in Mambila were also sold after his death. Bello clarified that the house in Maitama, Abuja, and Alkammawa in Sokoto were covered by the will left behind by the deceased.
Furthermore, Bello provided detailed information about the late Malami’s properties in Kaduna, Kano, and Sokoto states, along with shares in various companies and bank accounts. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to recover and take ownership of a house in Cairo, Egypt, which belonged to the late Ambassador.
The respondents’ Counsel, Mr. Almustapha Abubakar, deferred questioning until the Plaintiff Counsel completed his submissions. He argued that the two wills left by the late Malami were properly executed, containing clear explanations and duly signed and attested by appropriate authorities. He also noted that the property administrators assigned by the court included the deceased wife and biological children who were part of the lawsuit.
After hearing from all parties involved, Judge Alkali Jibdawa adjourned the case to April 26, 2024, for further proceedings. He also ordered a court summons to be served to Mambila properties manager, Mr. Goodluck Amuba, who oversaw the sales of the properties.
Late Malami was a Knight of the British Empire and a prominent industrialist who served Nigeria in various capacities. He held the title of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and was a former traditional ruler, Sarkin Sudan, and district head of Wurno in Sokoto state.
In conclusion, the legal battle over the late Malami’s will continues as family members seek clarity and resolution regarding the distribution of his assets. The court proceedings are set to resume in April, with key witnesses and experts providing insights into the deceased Ambassador’s estate.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
