The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved ruling in an application filed by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, challenging the interim forfeiture of multiple properties linked to him.
The appellate court reserved judgment after hearing arguments from both Malami’s legal team and lawyers representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
A three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed announced that parties would be
notified once the ruling is ready.
Malami, through his counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), is seeking leave to appeal an earlier ruling delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court regarding the forfeiture proceedings involving 57 properties allegedly traced to unlawful activities.
The EFCC had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order against the properties after filing an ex parte application before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
During proceedings, Daudu argued that the delay in filing the appeal was caused by the time required to obtain the certified true copy of the lower court’s ruling.
According to him, court rules require that any interlocutory appeal must include the ruling being challenged, making the delay unavoidable and procedural rather than negligent.
He urged the appellate court to grant an extension of time to seek leave to appeal and allow the matter to proceed.
Daudu also challenged the EFCC’s reliance on fast-track rules relating to corruption matters, insisting that interlocutory appeals remain legally valid, particularly where jurisdictional issues are involved.
The EFCC’s counsel, Jibril Okutepa (SAN), opposed the application and asked the court to dismiss it.
Okutepa argued that the appeal was unnecessary and maintained that the forfeiture proceedings should continue without further delays.
He further insisted that the matter falls under corruption-related cases covered by the Court of Appeal’s fast-track practice direction.
According to him, Malami failed to provide sufficient legal justification for not filing the appeal within the required timeframe.
The legal dispute stems from an interim forfeiture order granted earlier this year involving 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The court had directed the EFCC to publish the forfeiture order publicly to allow interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The case has since attracted national attention due to Malami’s role as Nigeria’s former chief law officer during the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
In previous filings, Malami denied any wrongdoing and insisted that the properties were legitimately acquired through years of legal practice, investments, business ventures, and declared income sources.
He also accused the EFCC of exaggerating the value of some assets and acting beyond its powers during enforcement operations.
Political and legal analysts say the case could become a major test of Nigeria’s asset forfeiture framework and the powers of anti-corruption agencies.
Observers believe the eventual court decision may also shape future interpretations regarding interim forfeiture procedures and due process protections.
The matter remains one of the most closely watched legal disputes involving a former senior government official in recent months.
For now, attention remains on the Court of Appeal as both parties await the ruling that could determine the next phase of the high-profile forfeiture battle.