By Ify Okoli
The Battle Over Dozens Of Properties Allegedly Connected To
Former Attorney-General Of The Federation And Minister Of Justice, Abubakar
Malami, Will Reach A Crucial Stage On July 10, When A Federal High Court In
Abuja Is Expected To Give Its Decision On The Economic And Financial Crimes
Commission’s (Efcc) Forfeiture Request.
The Ruling, Which Had Initially Been Scheduled For Monday,
Was Postponed By Justice Joyce Abdulmalik Without Any Explanation. The Judge
Had Earlier Reserved Judgment After Lawyers On Both Sides Concluded Their Final
Arguments In May.
The Efcc Is Asking The Court To Permanently Hand Over 57
Disputed Properties To The Federal Government. According To The Anti-Graft
Agency, The Assets Are Believed To Have Been Acquired Through Unlawful Means.
Lead Counsel For The Commission, Jibrin Okutepa, San, Argued That Malami And
The Other Parties Named In The Suit Failed To Provide Convincing Proof That The
Properties Were Obtained Legally.
Malami, However, Has Strongly Challenged The Application.
His Lawyer, Adedayo Adedeji, San, Urged The Court To Dismiss The Case,
Insisting That The Commission's Claims Are Built On Suspicion Rather Than Solid
Evidence.
He Maintained That The Efcc Relied Mainly On Statements Made
Outside The Courtroom Instead Of Legally Admissible Evidence. Adedeji Also
Argued That Several Of The Properties Were Purchased Before Malami Became
Attorney-General, Making It Impossible To Link Them To Any Alleged Abuse Of
Office Or Unlawful Earnings.
Lawyers Representing Other Individuals And Companies
Affected By The Suit Also Opposed The Forfeiture Request, Asking The Court To
Reject It.
With Judgment Now Fixed For July 10, All Eyes Are On The
Court As It Prepares To Decide The Future Of The Disputed Assets.
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