A Federal High Court judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, has withdrawn from presiding over two major cases instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, citing personal considerations and the need to safeguard the integrity of the judicial process.
The judge made the announcement shortly after proceedings began in the civil suit seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly connected to Malami. He stated that both the forfeiture case and the separate N8.7 billion money laundering trial would be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.
The charges involve serious financial allegations against Malami, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami. The EFCC is seeking the confiscation of multiple assets and prosecution over alleged unlawful financial dealings.
During the court session, counsel to the EFCC, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that Malami’s lead lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, had written to request an adjournment, explaining that he was engaged in proceedings at the Court of Appeal.
Soon after this submission, Justice Egwuatu delivered a brief ruling announcing his decision to step down from the matter, stating that his withdrawal was necessary to ensure fairness and justice.
Although Malami’s counsel was absent, lawyers representing other interested parties, including individuals with claims to some of the properties already placed under temporary forfeiture, were present during the proceedings.
The cases were previously handled by Justice Emeka Nwite during the court’s vacation period. Following the resumption of normal sittings, the Chief Judge reassigned the matters to Justice Egwuatu, fixing new hearing dates before his eventual recusal.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has dismissed claims that the investigation and prosecution of Malami are politically motivated. The commission’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, stated that the probe began long before his appointment and has been pursued strictly on professional grounds.
He explained that the investigation has lasted for more than two years and was conducted meticulously to ensure that any charges filed are supported by solid evidence. According to him, the agency does not target individuals based on political affiliation but acts solely in the interest of justice.
Olukoyede added that the EFCC only proceeded with prosecution after being fully satisfied that the evidence gathered was sufficient, insisting that the case has nothing to do with persecution or political vendetta.
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