Federal High Court to rule July 6 on EFCC's N8.71B Malami asset forfeiture suit
Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 6, 2026, for judgment in EFCC's forfeiture suit against 57 properties linked to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami. The anti-graft agency seeks final forfeiture of the assets, alleging they are proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to N8.71 billion.
EFCC counsel Jibrin Okutepa presented a three-volume motion with 47-paragraph affidavit and 46 exhibits, arguing respondents failed to prove lawful acquisition. Defense counsel Adedayo Adedeji countered that the EFCC relied on 'suspicion, not evidence,' and that properties were acquired before Malami assumed office.
The case stems from an ongoing money laundering trial involving Malami, his wife, and son, who were granted N1.5 billion bail in January. Defense maintains the matter requires oral testimony despite court's previous refusal. With both sides having presented arguments, the outcome hinges on whether the court accepts EFCC's evidence standard or the defense's 'evidence, not suspicion' argument.