Justice Obiora Egwuatu, a federal high court judge in Abuja, has recused himself from hearing two high-profile cases involving former attorney-general of the federation, Abubakar Malami.
Speaking during Thursday’s court session, Egwuatu said he was stepping aside for personal reasons and in the interest of justice.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Malami on 16 counts of alleged money laundering. In December 2025, the anti-graft agency linked assets worth N212 billion to Malami, including hotels, residential buildings, lands, schools, and a printing press in Kebbi, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Malami, his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife Bashir Asabe face charges of laundering N8.7 billion. All three have pleaded not guilty.
In a separate matter, the EFCC is seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. During the court vacation, federal high court judge Emeka Nwite had ordered the interim forfeiture of the properties and cautioned against attempts to influence judicial proceedings. “I have sworn to perform my duties without fear or favour. Any attempt to sway me will be vehemently resisted,” Nwite said.
After the vacation period, Chief Judge John Tsoho had reassigned the Malami cases to Egwuatu, who has now formally stepped aside, leaving the future of the proceedings uncertain.
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