Is it obligatory to immediately give out public money unlawfully acquired, or is it permissible to delay it to fulfill some needs? And what is the value that must be given out if the money was taken in the form of foodstuffs 25 years ago—should it be estimated by its price at the time it was taken or by its current price?

The basic principle is that the money should be returned to the source from which it was taken. If that is not possible, then it should be spent on the general welfare of Muslims or given to the poor and needy. It is not permissible to delay this for someone who is able to do so. If the possessor of the money is in need, he may take from it what suffices his need, because he is considered poor. If the poor person receives ill-gotten money, it does not become unlawful for the poor person; rather, it is lawful and good for him. As for rights that are fungible, their like must be returned; otherwise, their value.