Court Fixes July 10 To Deliver Judgment On Bid To Seize 57 Properties Linked To Malami

A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 10 for judgment in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s, EFCC, suit seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik had earlier fixed Monday for the ruling after parties adopted their final arguments in May.

The court, however, shifted the judgment to July 10 with no reason given for the adjournment.

EFCC’s application

The anti-graft agency is asking the court to permanently forfeit the properties to the Federal Government.

The EFCC argues that the assets are suspected proceeds of unlawful activities.

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

Respondents’ defense

Malami’s lawyer, Adedayo Adedeji, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the application.

He said the EFCC’s case is based on mere suspicion rather than credible evidence.

Adedeji argued that the commission relied on extrajudicial statements instead of admissible evidence.

He also told the court that several of the properties were acquired before Malami assumed office, and are therefore unrelated to any alleged criminal proceeds.

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

The court is now expected to deliver its judgment on July 10.

The ruling will determine the fate of the disputed assets.