The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned judgment in the forfeiture suit 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 (SAN).

Justice Deinde Dipeolu fixed July 10, 2026, as the date for judgment after parties in the matter adopted their final written addresses, bringing legal arguments to a close.

The anti-graft agency is asking the court to grant a final forfeiture order on the properties, arguing that its investigations established that the assets were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The EFCC had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order before commencing the process for a permanent forfeiture.

Malami, through his legal team, has challenged the commission’s application, insisting that the properties were lawfully acquired and urging the court to dismiss the EFCC’s claims. He has maintained that the commission failed to provide credible evidence linking the assets to any criminal conduct.

The case is one of several high-profile asset recovery proceedings initiated by the EFCC against former public office holders and politically exposed persons as part of its anti-corruption drive.

The judgment, now scheduled for July 10, is expected to determine whether the court will grant the EFCC’s request for the permanent forfeiture of the 57 properties or uphold Malami’s objections and dismiss the application.

The decision is likely to be closely watched by legal practitioners, anti-corruption advocates, and political observers, given Malami’s prominent role as Nigeria’s chief law officer during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The ruling could also provide further judicial guidance on the evidentiary threshold required in civil asset forfeiture proceedings brought under Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws.