The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday delayed the scheduled hearing of a suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties linked to
The properties, reportedly located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states, were the subject of an interim forfeiture order issued by Justice Emeka Nwite on January 6. The order followed an ex parte motion by the EFCC, represented by Ekele Iheanacho (SAN).
Justice Nwite had directed that the interim order be published in a national daily to allow any interested parties 14 days to appear before the court and show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The matter was initially scheduled for reporting compliance with the court’s order yesterday. However, the case was not listed on the court’s cause list.
At the start of proceedings, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), leading EFCC’s legal team, informed the court that they had come to report compliance with the previous order. He noted that the court’s registrar told him the case was considered a vacation matter.
Justice Nwite explained that, as part of court protocol, cases listed during vacation periods are returned to the Chief Judge at the end of the vacation for reassignment. He advised EFCC to pursue administrative channels to bring the matter to the Chief Judge’s attention.
The judge assured that the EFCC would be notified once the Chief Judge reassigns the case for hearing.
This development delays EFCC’s bid to secure final forfeiture of the properties, which it claims were acquired through proceeds of unlawful activity.
The interim forfeiture order represents the latest step in ongoing investigations by EFCC into Malami’s assets.
The commission had previously emphasized that the forfeiture proceedings are part of broader efforts to recover illicitly acquired public property.