A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed Friday, July 10, to deliver judgment in the suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik had initially scheduled the judgment for Monday after the parties adopted their final written addresses in May. However, the court postponed the ruling to July 10 without stating the reason for the adjournment.
The EFCC is asking the court to order the permanent forfeiture of the properties to the Federal Government, arguing that they are suspected proceeds of unlawful activities.
Counsel to the commission, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), maintained that Mr Malami and the other respondents failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish that the properties were lawfully acquired.
Opposing the application, Mr Malami’s counsel, Mr Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that the agency’s case was based on suspicion rather than credible and admissible evidence.
He further submitted that the EFCC relied largely on extrajudicial statements and contended that several of the properties in dispute were acquired before Mr Malami assumed office as Attorney-General, making them unrelated to any alleged criminal proceeds.
Counsel representing other individuals and companies named as respondents in the matter also asked the court to reject the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture.
The court is expected to determine the application on July 10, when it delivers judgment on whether the disputed properties should be permanently forfeited to the federal government.
