A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed July 2, 2026, for judgment in the suit seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
The case, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was heard before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who reserved judgment after listening to arguments from both parties.
The EFCC is asking the court to permanently seize the properties, which it claims are suspected proceeds of unlawful activities. The anti-graft agency had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order in January 2026 after presenting an ex parte application before the court.
According to court documents, the properties are located across different parts of the country, including Abuja, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Kano states. Reports say the assets are valued at more than ₦213 billion.
During the proceedings, counsel to the EFCC, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), urged the court to grant the final forfeiture request. He argued that the respondents failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the ownership and acquisition of the properties.
However, counsel representing Malami, Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), opposed the application and asked the court to dismiss the suit. The defence maintained that the EFCC relied mainly on suspicion and did not present sufficient evidence directly linking the assets to criminal conduct.
The legal dispute is part of a wider investigation involving allegations of money laundering, abuse of office, and concealment of funds during Malami’s time in office. The former AGF has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
The court’s decision on July 2 is expected to determine whether the properties will be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government or returned to the respondents.
