By Peter Omopo
A Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed judgment in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) suit seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who had earlier scheduled judgment after hearing final arguments, adjourned the matter to July 15 following her unavailability.
The case had initially been fixed for judgment on July 6 but was first moved to July 10 before being postponed again when the court did not sit.
The EFCC is seeking a final forfeiture order over the properties, located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states, after obtaining an interim forfeiture order on January 6. The anti-graft agency alleges that the assets were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities and is asking the court to transfer ownership of the properties to the Federal Government.
Presenting the Commission’s case, senior advocate Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) argued that the application for final forfeiture was supported by a 47-paragraph affidavit and 46 documentary exhibits.
He urged the court to grant the application, maintaining that Malami and the other respondents had failed to establish that the properties were lawfully acquired.
However, counsel to the former Attorney General, Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), opposed the application, arguing that the EFCC’s case was founded on suspicion rather than credible evidence.
According to him, the Commission relied largely on extra-judicial materials that should only be tested during criminal proceedings through cross-examination.
Adedeji further argued that several of the disputed properties were acquired before Malami assumed office as Attorney General of the Federation and therefore could not be linked to any alleged abuse of office.
He asked the court to dismiss the EFCC’s application and vacate the interim forfeiture order.
Lawyers representing other individuals and companies claiming ownership of some of the affected properties also urged the court to reject the Commission’s application, insisting that they had presented sufficient evidence to show the assets were legitimately acquired.
Justice Abdulmalik is now expected to deliver judgment in the matter on July 15.
