Justice Obiora Egwuatu, on Thursday, has withdrawn himself from the two cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Mr Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Justice Egwuatu, who was recently re-assigned the case by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, said he decided to withdraw from the two cases for personal reasons and for better interest of justice.
The development occurred shortly after the civil suit for forfeiture of 57 property allegedly linked to Malami was called for mention.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cases were former before Justice Emeka Nwite, who sat as vacation judge during the Christmas break.
The anti-graft agency is prosecuting Malami on a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering.
In December 2025, the EFCC traced property worth N212 billion to Malami as part of an investigation into his stint in office.
The property — hotels, residential buildings, lands, schools, and a printing press — are scattered across Kebbi, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Recall that the EFCC had arraigned the former AGF 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.
Responding to the allegations, they all pleaded not guilty to the charge before the presiding judge.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, the EFCC is seeking forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Both cases were being handled by Emeka Nwite, a federal high court judge, during the court vacation period. Nwite had, on January 6, ordered the interim forfeiture of the 57 property.
Recall that shortly after granting bail to Malami and his co-defendants on January 7, Nwite had 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,” 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.”
After the vacation period, John Tsoho, chief judge of the federal high court, reassigned the case to Egwuatu who has now recused himself.