Court stalls judgment in EFCC’s N57-property forfeiture case against Malami

The federal high court in Abuja has postponed judgment in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s suit seeking the permanent forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Abubakar Malami (SAN), former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who was expected to deliver judgment on Monday, instead adjourned the matter until July 10. No explanation was given for the postponement.

The anti-graft agency is asking the court to permanently transfer ownership of the properties to the Federal Government, maintaining that they are suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of unlawful activities.

At the previous hearing, the EFCC, through its counsel, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), urged the court to grant the application, arguing that the respondents failed to provide credible evidence proving the assets were legitimately acquired.

The commission relied on an affidavit and documentary exhibits filed in support of its application, insisting that the interim forfeiture order should be made final.

However, Malami’s counsel, Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), opposed the request, contending that the commission had not established any criminal link between the properties and his client.

He argued that the defence presented extensive evidence explaining the origin of the assets, adding that several of the properties were acquired before Malami assumed office as Attorney-General.

The defence further maintained that the EFCC’s case was built on suspicion rather than concrete proof and urged the court to set aside the interim forfeiture order.

Other lawyers representing individuals and companies joined in the suit also asked the court to reject the commission’s application.

With Monday’s proceedings ending without a verdict, the court fixed July 10 to deliver judgment on the high-profile forfeiture case.