Court to deliver judgment on EFCC’s bid to seize 57 properties linked to Malami

A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 10 for 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, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who had fixed Monday for the ruling after parties adopted their final arguments in May, shifted the judgment to July 10. 

No reason was given for the adjournment.

The anti-graft agency is asking the court to permanently forfeit the properties to the Federal Government, arguing they are suspected proceeds of unlawful activities.

EFCC counsel, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN maintained that Malami and other respondents failed to prove the assets were lawfully acquired.

However, Malami’s lawyer, Adedayo Adedeji, SAN urged the court to dismiss the application, insisting the EFCC’s case rests on mere suspicion rather than credible evidence.

He argued that the commission relied on extrajudicial statements instead of admissible evidence and stressed that several of the properties were acquired before Malami assumed office, making them unrelated to any alleged criminal proceeds.

Other lawyers representing individuals and companies listed in the suit also asked the court to reject the forfeiture request.

The court is now expected to deliver its judgment on July 10, a ruling that could determine the fate of the disputed assets.