Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court has withdrawn from two high-profile cases instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
The judge, who was recently assigned the matters by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, announced his decision in open court, citing personal reasons and the interest of justice.
The cases include a multi-billion-naira asset forfeiture suit involving 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami, as well as an N8.7 billion money laundering charge filed against him, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami.
The development unfolded shortly after the civil forfeiture matter was called for mention during Thursday’s proceedings.
Counsel to the EFCC, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the case was scheduled for mention and disclosed that the commission had received a letter from Malami’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, requesting an adjournment until Monday, February 16.
According to Iheanacho, Daudu explained that he was engaged at the Court of Appeal in another matter and therefore unable to attend.
Moments later, Justice Egwuatu delivered a brief ruling.
“Gentlemen, for personal reasons and in the interest of justice, I will recuse myself from this case and the other sister case,” he stated, adding that the case files would be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
Although Daudu was absent, legal representatives of other respondents and applicants—some of whom have interests in properties already placed under interim forfeiture to the Federal Government—were present in court.
The matters were previously handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided as vacation judge during the Christmas break.
Following the end of the court’s vacation sitting, the Chief Judge reassigned the cases to Justice Egwuatu, fixing February 12 for the civil forfeiture case and February 16 for the money laundering proceedings.
With Justice Egwuatu’s recusal, the cases are now expected to be reassigned, potentially marking another procedural turn in the ongoing legal battle involving the former top government official.
