Justice Obiora Egwuatu has withdrawn from two cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
The judge, who was recently reassigned the matters by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, said he stepped aside for personal reasons and in the interest of justice.
The cases include a multi-billion-naira forfeiture suit involving 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami and an ₦8.7 billion money laundering charge against him, his wife Asabe Bashir, and his son Abdulaziz Malami.
The development came after the civil forfeiture case was called for mention in court.
EFCC counsel Ekele Iheanacho (SAN) informed the court that Malami’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), had written seeking an adjournment to February 16, citing his appearance at the Court of Appeal.
In a brief ruling, Justice Egwuatu announced his recusal and ordered that the case files be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
The matters were previously handled by Justice Emeka Nwite during the vacation sitting before being reassigned to Justice Egwuatu after the Yuletide break.
