Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has recused himself from two cases involving former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
At Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Egwuatu announced that he would no longer handle the matters, citing personal reasons and the need to uphold the interest of justice.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Malami on a 16-count charge related to alleged money laundering. In December 2025, the anti-graft agency said it uncovered properties valued at N212 billion linked to the former minister as part of an investigation into his time in office.
The assets — which include hotels, residential houses, plots of land, schools and a printing press — are located across Kebbi, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Background to the cases
The EFCC had earlier arraigned Malami alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Bashir Asabe, on allegations involving N8,713,923,759.49 said to be proceeds of unlawful activities. All three defendants pleaded not guilty.
In a separate suit, the commission is pursuing the forfeiture of 57 properties it believes were acquired through illicit means.
During the court’s vacation period, Justice Emeka Nwite handled the cases. On January 6, he ordered the interim forfeiture of the 57 properties. A day later, he granted bail to Malami and his co-defendants.
While delivering the bail ruling, Justice Nwite issued a stern warning against any attempt to influence the court.
“Before concluding, I want to admonish and warn counsel and litigants that all judges are not the same,” he said.
“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 to do your case, 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.”
Following the vacation, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, reassigned the cases to Justice Egwuatu, who has now withdrawn from further proceedings.
