The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 10, 2026, for judgment in the suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
Justice Deinde Dipeolu set the date after parties in the matter adopted their final written addresses, thereby closing legal arguments in the case.
The EFCC is seeking a final forfeiture order over the properties, arguing that investigations established that the assets were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The commission had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order before moving for permanent forfeiture.
However, Malami, through his legal team, has opposed the application, insisting that the properties were lawfully acquired. His counsel argued that the EFCC failed to provide credible evidence linking the assets to any criminal activity and urged the court to dismiss the suit.
The case forms part of several high-profile asset recovery proceedings instituted by the anti-graft agency against former public officials and politically exposed persons.
The outcome of the judgment, expected on July 10, will determine whether the court grants the EFCC’s request for permanent forfeiture or upholds the defence and dismisses the application.
The ruling is expected to attract significant attention from legal practitioners, anti-corruption advocates, and political observers, given Malami’s former role as Nigeria’s chief law officer under the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
