- Justice Obiora Egwuatu recused himself from two EFCC cases against former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, citing personal reasons and fairness
- One case sought the forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami, while he also faced separate DSS prosecution over terrorism financing claims
- The matters were set to be reassigned to another judge, potentially affecting the pace of the high-profile proceedings
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday withdrew from two cases instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami.
Justice Egwuatu, who was recently reassigned to the matters by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, cited personal reasons and the need to uphold the interest of justice as grounds for his decision.
The withdrawal became known when one of the cases—a civil suit seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami—was called for mention before the court.
Although the judge did not elaborate extensively on the reasons behind his decision, he indicated that stepping aside was necessary to ensure fairness and maintain confidence in the judicial process.
The cases were previously handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over them in his capacity as a vacation judge during the Christmas period. Following administrative changes within the court, the matters were reassigned to Justice Egwuatu before his subsequent withdrawal.
The EFCC’s civil action centres on the proposed forfeiture of 57 properties it alleges are connected to the former minister. The anti-graft agency has maintained that the assets are subject to investigation and possible confiscation under relevant laws governing proceeds of crime.
In addition to the EFCC proceedings, Malami is also facing prosecution by the Federal Government through the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of terrorism financing. Details of the charges in that matter have not been fully disclosed in open court, but the case adds another layer of legal scrutiny for the former AGF.
Justice Egwuatu’s withdrawal means that the cases are expected to be reassigned to another judge of the Federal High Court for continuation. Legal observers note that such reassignments, while procedural, can affect the pace of high-profile cases.
Malami, who served as Attorney-General under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has yet to publicly respond in detail to the latest development.
The EFCC and the DSS have not issued immediate statements following the judge’s decision to step aside. Proceedings in the matters are expected to resume once a new judge is designated to handle the cases.