A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned judgment in a 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.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik had earlier scheduled judgment for Monday after parties adopted their final written addresses in May but adjourned the matter to July 10 without giving a reason for the change.

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.

Opposing the application, Malami’s counsel, Adedayo Adedeji, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the suit, contending that the commission’s case was based on suspicion rather than credible evidence.

He argued that the EFCC relied largely on extrajudicial statements instead of admissible evidence and maintained that several of the disputed properties were acquired before Malami became Attorney General, making them unrelated to any alleged criminal proceeds.

Lawyers representing other individuals and companies joined as respondents in the case also asked the court to reject the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture.

The court is now expected to deliver its judgment on July 10, when it will determine the fate of the 57 disputed properties.