Major Twist: Court Announces Judgment Date In EFCC Case Against Malami

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled Friday, July 10, for judgment in the case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly connected to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik had initially fixed the judgment for Monday after both parties adopted their final written addresses in May. However, the court later shifted the date to July 10 without giving any reason for the postponement.

The EFCC is asking the court to permanently forfeit the properties to the Federal Government, arguing that they are suspected proceeds of unlawful activities. Lead counsel for the commission, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), told the court that Malami and the other respondents failed to provide convincing evidence showing that the assets were legally acquired.

In response, Malami’s lawyer, Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the application, insisting that the EFCC’s case is built on mere suspicion rather than credible and admissible evidence. He argued that the commission relied heavily on extrajudicial statements and maintained that several of the disputed properties were purchased before Malami became Attorney-General, making them unrelated to any alleged criminal proceeds.

Counsel representing other individuals and companies joined in opposing the application, asking the court to reject the EFCC’s request for final forfeiture.

The court is expected to decide on July 10 whether the 57 properties should be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, Malami also appeared in court last Tuesday over a separate ₦8.7 billion money laundering case filed against him by the EFCC alongside his son.

The money laundering trial, which also involves Malami’s wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, was previously adjourned by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on May 22, 2026, to June 23, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings.

The EFCC is prosecuting the defendants on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering alleged proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to ₦8,713,923,759.49, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel J.S. Okutepa (SAN) informed the court that although the matter was scheduled for continuation of hearing, the prosecution had received a letter from the defence requesting an adjournment.