Africa-Press – Nigeria. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday warned counsel appearing before her against engaging in conduct capable of delaying proceedings, threatening to invoke the court’s contempt powers where necessary.
The warning came during proceedings in a case involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, over properties linked to him.
At the hearing, EFCC counsel, J.S. Okutepa, SAN, informed the court that lead defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, had notified him of his absence due to engagements at the Court of Appeal, adding that a representative had attended with a formal letter.
Okutepa also expressed dissatisfaction with how proceedings had been handled, noting that he had earlier communicated his concerns to the defence.
In her response, Justice Abdulmalik stressed the need for strict compliance with court directives, recalling that the interim forfeiture order had been published for 14 days to allow interested parties to show cause.
She warned that any counsel who failed to file necessary processes would be deemed to have forfeited the right to participate in the proceedings.
“If you are not satisfied with my decision, you can approach the appellate court. But at the next adjourned date, this matter will be heard. If your processes are not filed, they will be deemed abandoned.
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,” the judge said.
The court subsequently ordered all parties and interested persons to file and serve their processes on or before April 27, 2026, warning that any submissions filed after the deadline would not be recognised.
The matter was adjourned to May 26, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications.
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