A Federal High Court in Abuja has again postponed judgment in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) suit seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who had earlier fixed judgment for July 6 after hearing final arguments, has now rescheduled the ruling to July 15 following her unavailability.
The case was initially adjourned from July 6 to July 10 before being postponed again after the court did not sit.
The EFCC had secured an interim forfeiture order on January 6 over the 57 properties located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states, alleging they were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The anti-graft agency is seeking a final order forfeiting the assets to the Federal Government.
Counsel to the EFCC, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Jibrin Okutepa, argued that the commission’s application was supported by a 47-paragraph affidavit and 46 documentary exhibits. He urged the court to grant the final forfeiture order, contending that Malami and the other respondents failed to provide credible evidence that the properties were lawfully acquired.
However, Malami’s counsel, Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), opposed the application, arguing that the EFCC’s case was founded on suspicion rather than concrete evidence. He maintained that the commission relied on extrajudicial materials that ought to be tested during a criminal trial through cross-examination.
Adedeji further argued that several of the properties were acquired before Malami assumed office as Attorney General of the Federation and, therefore, could not be connected to any alleged abuse of office.
He urged the court to dismiss the EFCC’s application and vacate the interim forfeiture order.
Counsel representing other individuals and companies claiming ownership of some of the properties also asked the court to reject the EFCC’s request, insisting they had provided sufficient evidence that the assets were lawfully acquired.
Justice Abdulmalik is now expected to deliver judgment in the matter on July 15, 2026.
