The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has reserved ruling on an application filed by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, seeking permission to challenge a Federal High Court decision ordering the interim forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to him.
The case centres on an earlier ruling by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, which upheld proceedings involving the forfeiture of 57 properties said to be connected to alleged unlawful activities.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had initially obtained an interim forfeiture order earlier this year from the Federal High Court, Abuja.
At Thursday’s hearing, Malami’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the appellate court to grant leave for extension of time to appeal, permission to appeal, and extension of time to file the appeal.
He argued that the delay in filing was due to the time required to obtain certified copies of the lower court’s ruling, insisting that the application was valid and properly supported by affidavit evidence.
Daudu further maintained that interlocutory appeals are legally permissible, especially where issues of jurisdiction arise, and faulted objections raised by the EFCC regarding procedural rules.
On the other hand, EFCC counsel, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), opposed the application, describing it as unnecessary and an attempt to delay the substantive forfeiture proceedings.
He argued that the properties in question were allegedly acquired through fraudulent means while Malami served as Attorney-General of the Federation, and insisted that such matters fall under fast-track procedures for corruption cases.
Okutepa urged the court to dismiss the application and allow the substantive case to proceed without further delay.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the appellate court panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed reserved its ruling to a later date, which will be communicated to the parties.
The forfeiture proceedings stem from an ex parte order issued on January 6, 2026, by the Federal High Court, directing the interim seizure of the disputed properties and requiring public notice to allow interested parties to respond.
