The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled July 10, 2026, to deliver its judgment in the case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the permanent forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
The matter came before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Monday after the court had earlier reserved judgment following the conclusion of arguments by both parties in May. The decision was postponed, with the court fixing July 10 for its final ruling.
The EFCC is asking the court to transfer ownership of the disputed properties to the Federal Government, arguing that the assets are suspected to have been acquired through unlawful means.
Counsel representing the anti-graft agency argued that evidence presented before the court, including affidavits and documentary exhibits, supports the commission’s request for final forfeiture. The EFCC maintained that the respondents failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the legitimate sources of the properties.
However, lawyers representing Malami opposed the application, urging the court to dismiss the suit and vacate the interim forfeiture order previously granted. The defence argued that the commission’s allegations were based on suspicion rather than conclusive evidence.
Malami’s legal team further contended that some of the properties in dispute were acquired before his appointment as Attorney-General, insisting that such assets could not reasonably be classified as proceeds of unlawful activities.
Other respondents and companies named in the case also supported Malami’s position, asking the court to reject the EFCC’s application for permanent forfeiture.
Justice Abdulmalik is expected to determine on July 10 whether the properties will be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government or returned to the respondents.
Meanwhile, Malami is also facing separate criminal proceedings involving allegations of money laundering and unlawful possession of firearms, with both matters still pending before the Federal High Court.
