A Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled judgment to July 10, 2026, 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 and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
The judgment, which was initially fixed for Monday, July 6, was adjourned by the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, to Friday, July 10, 2026.
The EFCC is seeking a final forfeiture order over the assets, valued at more than ₦212 billion, following an earlier interim forfeiture order granted by the court. The properties are located across Abuja, Kano, Kebbi and Kaduna States.
The anti-graft agency contends that the assets constitute proceeds of alleged official corruption and abuse of office during Malami’s tenure in public service.
At the conclusion of proceedings on May 26, counsel to the EFCC, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, urged the court to grant the application, relying on a 47-paragraph affidavit and 46 documentary exhibits filed in support of the motion.
Okutepa argued that Malami and the other respondents failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the legitimate sources of funds used to acquire the properties, insisting that the assets should be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
However, counsel to Malami and the other respondents, Adedayo Adedeji, SAN, asked the court to dismiss the EFCC’s application and vacate the interim forfeiture order.
Adedeji, who relied on a counter-affidavit deposed to by the former minister, argued that the anti-corruption agency’s case was based on suspicion rather than credible and admissible evidence. He maintained that the properties were lawfully acquired by Malami during his lifetime and not proceeds of unlawful activity.
Following the adoption of final written addresses by both parties, Justice Abdulmalik reserved judgment, which will now be delivered on July 10, 2026.
