By Uche Onyeali
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday withdrew from the two cases involving a former Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
At the court session yesterday, Justice Egwuatu said he decided to withdraw from the cases for personal reasons and in the interest of justice.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Malami on a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering.
In December 2025, the anti-graft agency traced property worth N212 billion to Malami as part of an investigation into his stint in office.
The property include hotels, residential buildings, lands, schools and a printing press, located across Kebbi, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The EFCC had arraigned Malami alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Bashir Asabe, on a 16-count charge over allegations bordering on money laundering to the tune of N8,713,923,759.49.
In a separate case, EFCC is seeking the forfeiture of 57 property suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Both cases were handled by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, during the court vacation period.
Nwite, had on January 6, ordered the interim forfeiture of the 57 property.
Shortly after granting bail to Malami and his co-defendants on January 7, Nwite cautioned against approaching him outside the courtroom in a bid to sway proceedings.
“Before concluding, I want to admonish and warn counsel and litigants that all judges are not the same.
“When I am handling any case, please don’t approach me.
“When you are doing your case, you can get the best lawyers in this country, but don’t attempt to approach me for any help.
“I am not the type of judge. I know what God has done for me by giving me this job and I have vowed to do it to the best of my ability.
“I have sworn before Almighty God and man that I am going to do my duty without fear or favour.
“Any attempt to try this will be vehemently resisted.”
After the vacation period, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho reassigned the case to Egwuatu who has now recused himself.
