Another Judge Withdraws from EFCC Case Against Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami
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Another judge has withdrawn from the EFCC case against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, further altering proceedings in the high-profile matter before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu recused himself from two cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Malami. Ejes Gist News reports that the judge cited personal reasons and the need to uphold the interest of justice in announcing his decision during court proceedings.
EFCC Case Against Abubakar Malami
The EFCC case against Abubakar Malami includes a civil forfeiture application seeking the recovery of 57 properties allegedly linked to the former Attorney-General.
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The matter was listed for mention when Justice Egwuatu disclosed his withdrawal. The judge had recently been reassigned to the cases by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.
Court Orders Remand of Abubakar Malami, Son, 1 Other in Kuje over Alleged Money Laundering
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Court officials indicated that the cases would be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment in accordance with judicial procedure.
Background to the Proceedings
The cases were previously handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who sat as a vacation judge during the court’s end-of-year session. The reassignment followed administrative adjustments within the Federal High Court.
The EFCC has accused Malami of assets acquisition irregularities, prompting the anti-graft agency to seek forfeiture orders over multiple properties.
Legal analysts note that judicial recusal, when properly declared, forms part of safeguards designed to preserve fairness, neutrality and public confidence in court proceedings.
Related Prosecution by DSS
In a separate matter, Abubakar Malami is also being prosecuted by the Federal Government through the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations bordering on terrorism financing.
The DSS case is distinct from the EFCC proceedings and is being handled under separate charges before the court.
What Happens Next
Following the withdrawal, the EFCC case against Abubakar Malami is expected to be reassigned to another judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Under established court practice:
- A recused matter is returned to the Chief Judge
- The case file is reassigned administratively
- Parties are notified of a new hearing date
The EFCC has not publicly indicated whether the development will affect the timeline for hearing its forfeiture application.
The EFCC case against Abubakar Malami remains at a preliminary stage, with substantive arguments yet to commence. Court records show that the forfeiture application and related proceedings are pending reassignment.
