EFCC seeks final forfeiture of Malami’s 57 properties

A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 6, 2026 for judgment in the final forfeiture proceedings involving 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, being sought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter on Tuesday after taking arguments from both the prosecution and defence counsels.

At the resumed hearing, EFCC counsel, J.S. Okutepa, SAN, told the court that the matter was for the hearing of the final forfeiture application alongside other pending motions.

However, defence counsel, Adedayo Adedeji, SAN, drew the court’s attention to 16 motions on notice seeking to set aside the interim forfeiture order issued on January 6, 2026. He also sought extension of time for his client to respond to the forfeiture proceedings, arguing that the properties in question were not proceeds of crime but based on allegations.

Adedeji urged the court to dismiss the EFCC’s application, insisting that sufficient cause had been shown to challenge the forfeiture request.

Opposing the submissions, Okutepa told the court that the EFCC had filed a 77-paragraph affidavit deposed to by investigator Adebayo Daniels, supported with exhibits and written address, maintaining that the respondents failed to justify why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

He urged the court to dismiss all opposing applications and grant the final forfeiture order as prayed.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until July 6, 2026 for judgment.