Court Adjourns Judgment on EFCC Bid to Forfeit 57 Properties Linked to Abubakar Malami
Court Adjourns Judgment on EFCC Bid to Forfeit 57 Properties Linked to Abubakar Malami
The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed its judgment in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s application seeking the permanent forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik fixed July 10, 2026, for the ruling after previously reserving judgment following the adoption of final written addresses by all parties in the case.
The anti-graft agency is asking the court to order that the disputed properties be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government, maintaining that investigations indicate the assets are suspected proceeds of unlawful activities. The EFCC argued that the respondents failed to provide convincing evidence showing that the properties were lawfully acquired.
Malami, through his legal representatives, opposed the application and urged the court to dismiss the suit. His lawyers argued that the commission’s claims were based on suspicion rather than credible and admissible evidence. They also maintained that several of the properties were acquired before he assumed office as Attorney-General, making it inaccurate to associate them with alleged illicit enrichment while in public office.
Other individuals and corporate entities joined in the suit also challenged the forfeiture request, insisting that the properties were legally obtained and should not be confiscated.
The court’s decision, expected on July 10, is anticipated to determine whether the assets will be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government or released to the respondents.
