Nigeria TV Info 

Malami: More Applicants Reject EFCC’s Property Forfeiture Bid

The legal battle surrounding alleged asset forfeitures linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has taken a new turn as more applicants have formally opposed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) bid to permanently seize disputed properties.

At a Federal High Court sitting on Tuesday, several individuals and corporate entities filed counter-affidavits challenging the anti-graft agency’s application for final forfeiture of assets allegedly traced to questionable transactions. The EFCC had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order, arguing that the properties were proceeds of unlawful activities and urging the court to grant permanent ownership to the Federal Government.

However, counsel to the respondents maintained that the assets in question were legitimately acquired through verifiable business dealings and lawful earnings. They accused the commission of failing to provide sufficient evidence directly linking the properties to any criminal conduct.

One of the applicants argued that due process was not fully observed before the interim order was granted, stressing that affected parties were not given adequate opportunity to present their case. Legal representatives urged the court to dismiss the EFCC’s motion, describing it as speculative and unsupported by concrete proof.

The EFCC, in its submission, insisted that its investigations uncovered financial trails warranting forfeiture under relevant anti-corruption laws. The commission maintained that it acted within its statutory mandate to recover assets suspected to be proceeds of crime.

The presiding judge adjourned the matter to allow further arguments and adoption of written addresses. Observers say the outcome of the case could have wider implications for ongoing asset recovery proceedings involving politically exposed persons.

The case continues to generate public interest amid calls for transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in anti-corruption prosecutions.