\n\nA Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed Friday, July 10, 2026, to deliver judgment in the case 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, Abubakar Malami. The ruling was initially expected on July 6 but was postponed by the court.
The forfeiture case is part of the EFCC’s ongoing campaign to recover assets suspected to have been acquired through unlawful means. According to court filings, the commission is asking the court to permanently transfer ownership of the properties to the Federal Government after investigations allegedly connected them to illicitly acquired wealth. Malami, however, has challenged the application, maintaining that the assets were legally obtained and should not be forfeited.
During previous proceedings, legal representatives for both the EFCC and the former minister presented their final arguments before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who subsequently reserved judgment. The anti-graft agency argued that it had presented sufficient evidence to justify the forfeiture request, while the defence insisted that due process had not been followed and urged the court to dismiss the application.
The case has attracted widespread public attention because of Malami’s former position as Nigeria’s chief law officer. Legal analysts say the judgment could become one of the most closely watched anti-corruption decisions of the year, particularly as the Federal Government continues to intensify efforts to recover assets linked to alleged corruption and financial crimes. They note that the outcome could influence future civil forfeiture proceedings involving high-profile public officials.
Anti-corruption advocates have described asset recovery as an important component of the fight against corruption, arguing that reclaiming suspected proceeds of crime helps deter financial misconduct and ensures that public resources are protected. Others have stressed the importance of allowing the courts to determine such cases based solely on the evidence presented, emphasizing that every individual is entitled to a fair hearing under the law.
With judgment now scheduled for July 10, both the EFCC and the defence are awaiting the court’s final decision. The ruling is expected to clarify the legal status of the disputed properties and could mark another significant chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.
