By Our Correspondent

National News – The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved ruling in an application filed by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, challenging a Federal High Court decision linked to the forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly connected to unlawful activities.

The appellate court panel, led by Justice Abba Mohammed, announced on Thursday that parties would be informed once the ruling is ready.

Malami, through his lawyer, Joseph Daudu, requested an extension of time to seek leave to appeal and file the appeal against the ruling earlier delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

The case originated from an interim forfeiture order secured by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the disputed assets.

According to Daudu, the delay in filing the appeal resulted from the time required to obtain the certified ruling of the lower court.

He argued that the court rules mandate attaching the ruling being challenged to interlocutory appeals, insisting that the delay was procedural and not caused by negligence.

Counsel for the EFCC, Jibrin Okutepa, opposed the application, describing it as unnecessary.

He argued that corruption-related matters should proceed under fast-track procedures to avoid delays.

Okutepa maintained that issues raised by Malami could be addressed during the final hearing of the substantive forfeiture case.

The anti-graft agency also argued that the properties under investigation were allegedly acquired while Malami served as Attorney-General.

Earlier this year, the Federal High Court granted an interim order forfeiting the 57 properties and directed the EFCC to publish notices for interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

The matter was initially handled by Justice Emeka Nwite before being reassigned following court administrative changes.