A Federal High Court judge in Abuja on Thursday recused himself from hearing two high-profile cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN, saying he could no longer continue because of “personal reasons.”
Justice Obiora Egwuatu told the court he was stepping aside “in the interest of justice” shortly after lawyers for both sides announced their appearances.
“Ladies and gentlemen, for personal reasons and in the interest of justice, I will recuse myself from this case,” he said, directing that the files be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
The two matters include a civil suit seeking forfeiture of 57 properties valued at about ₦213.2 billion that the EFCC alleges were linked to Malami, and separate money-laundering proceedings against him and co-defendants.
The cases had been reassigned to Justice Egwuatu by the Chief Judge after Judge Emeka Nwite earlier handled them during the court’s vacation period.
Nwite himself had recused from the asset forfeiture case late January, returning the file to the Chief Judge, underscoring the procedural delay now affecting the matter.
Malami, who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is also facing a 16-count money-laundering charge under the EFCC’s prosecution, allegations he and his legal team have repeatedly denied.
Thursday’s development means the cases will now be reassigned to a new judge before they can resume.
The EFCC and lawyers have not yet commented on the impact of the recusal.
Malami was earlier granted bail of ₦500 million in related proceedings while other matters continue in court.
