A Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled judgment in the suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
The court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, had earlier fixed Monday, July 6, 2026, for judgment after parties adopted their final written addresses and argued the matter on May 26. However, the court adjourned the judgment to Friday, July 10, 2026.
The EFCC is seeking the permanent forfeiture of 57 properties valued at more than N212 billion, which are located across Abuja, Kano, Kebbi State and Kaduna State.
The anti-graft agency had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order, arguing that the assets were proceeds of official corruption and abuse of office.
During the hearing, EFCC counsel, Jibrin Okutepa, urged the court to grant the application, relying on a 47-paragraph affidavit and 46 exhibits filed in support of the motion.
He argued that Malami and the other respondents failed to provide satisfactory explanations for the legitimate sources of the assets and prayed the court to order their permanent forfeiture.
Opposing the application, counsel to Malami and the other respondents, Adedayo Adedeji, asked the court to dismiss the suit and set aside the interim forfeiture order.
He relied on a counter-affidavit sworn to by Malami, contending that the EFCC’s case was based on suspicion rather than credible evidence.
Following the submissions of both parties, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until July 10, 2026, for judgment.
