A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 10 to deliver judgment in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) suit seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who had initially scheduled the ruling for Monday after parties adopted their final written addresses in May, adjourned the judgment to July 10. No reason was given for the postponement.

The EFCC is asking the court to order the permanent forfeiture of the properties to the Federal Government, arguing that they are suspected proceeds of unlawful activities.

Counsel to the commission, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), told the court that Malami and the other respondents failed to provide sufficient evidence that the assets were lawfully acquired.

However, Malami’s lawyer, Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the application, arguing that the EFCC’s case was based on suspicion rather than credible evidence. He maintained that the commission relied on extrajudicial statements instead of admissible evidence and noted that several of the properties were acquired before Malami assumed office.

Lawyers representing other individuals and companies named in the suit also asked the court to reject the EFCC’s forfeiture request.

The court’s decision, now expected on July 10, will determine whether the disputed properties will be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.