Judge warns Malami’s counsel of contempt in EFCC forfeiture case

Abdullateef Fowewe

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has threatened contempt charges against lawyers stalling proceedings in an EFCC case against former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami over linked properties.

During Tuesday’s hearing, EFCC counsel J.S. Okutepa, SAN, noted lead defense lawyer J.B. Daudu, SAN’s absence due to Court of Appeal duties, but expressed “profound displeasure” over delays.

Justice Abdulmalik stressed compliance, saying, “My directive is that this interim forfeiture was placed in a newspaper for fourteen days for parties to show cause. I am going to give a definite date for hearing. Any counsel whose processes are not in will be deemed to have shut himself out.”

She warned firmly, “I will not entertain any rascality from any lawyer who decides to be unruly in my court. If need be, I will cite you for contempt, dock you and jail you.”

The judge ordered all parties to file processes by April 27, 2026, deeming late filings invalid.

The case is adjourned to May 26 for hearings.