COURT ADJOURNS JUDGMENT ON EFCC’S BID TO SEIZE 57 MALAMI-LINKED PROPERTIES

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned judgment in a suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik had fixed Monday for judgment after parties adopted their final written addresses in May but shifted the date to July 10. No reason was given for the adjournment.

The anti-graft agency wants the properties permanently forfeited to the federal government, arguing that they are suspected proceeds of unlawful activities.

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

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

He argued that the commission relied on extrajudicial statements rather than admissible evidence, adding that several of the properties were acquired before Malami assumed office and were therefore unconnected to any alleged proceeds of crime.

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

Judgment is now expected on July 10 in a ruling that could determine the fate of the disputed assets.