The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned judgment in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) final forfeiture suit seeking to permanently seize 57 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik fixed 10 July 2026 for judgment after the matter, which was listed for ruling on Monday, could not proceed. No reason was given for the adjournment.
The EFCC is asking the court to grant a final forfeiture order, arguing that the properties are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and should be transferred to the Federal Government.
At the previous hearing, counsel for the anti-graft agency, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), urged the court to grant the application, stating that the motion filed in February was supported by a 47-paragraph affidavit and 46 documentary exhibits.
Okutepa argued that Malami and the other respondents had failed to establish that the assets were lawfully acquired.
“The respondents have woefully failed to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government,” he submitted.
However, counsel to Malami and the other respondents, Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), opposed the application, urging the court to dismiss the EFCC’s request.
Adedeji told the court that Malami filed a 109-paragraph affidavit explaining why the interim forfeiture order should be set aside, maintaining that the properties were not acquired through proceeds of crime.
“The court deals with evidence, not suspicion,” Adedeji argued, adding that some of the properties were acquired before Malami served as Attorney-General of the Federation.
Other lawyers representing individuals and companies named in the suit also asked the court to reject the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture.
The case forms part of the EFCC’s wider efforts to recover assets it alleges were obtained through unlawful means.
Under Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws, the commission may seek interim and final forfeiture orders where it believes assets are linked to criminal activities, subject to judicial determination.
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Justice Abdulmalik is expected to deliver judgment on 10 July, when the court will decide whether the disputed properties will be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
