Court Reserves Judgment on Final Forfeiture of 57 Properties Linked to Malami

A Federal High Court in Abuja has reserved judgment in the suit seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik fixed July 6, 2026, for judgment after hearing arguments from counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the defence during Tuesday’s proceedings.

EFCC counsel, J.S. Okutepa (SAN), told the court that the commission’s application sought the final forfeiture of the properties, alongside other pending motions.

However, defence counsel Adedayo Adedeji (SAN) opposed the application, informing the court that 16 motions had been filed seeking to set aside an earlier interim forfeiture order granted on January 6, 2026.

He also requested an extension of time to allow the respondents to properly respond to the allegations and show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited.

According to him, the counter affidavit filed by Malami argued that the properties in question are not proceeds of crime but are based on mere suspicion.

“My lord, we filed an application dated April 21, 2026, for extension of time and a counter affidavit opposing the applicant’s motion for final forfeiture,” he said.

In response, the EFCC said it had filed a 77-paragraph counter affidavit, supported by exhibits and a written address, insisting that the respondents failed to justify ownership of the assets.

The anti-graft agency urged the court to dismiss all objections and grant the final forfeiture of the properties to the Federal Government.

After listening to both parties, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to July 6, 2026, for judgment.