Malami’s EFCC Trials Face Procedural Delay as Judge Steps Aside

Malami’s EFCC Trials Face Procedural Delay as Judge Steps Aside

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from presiding over two high-profile EFCC cases involving former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN). The judge cited personal reasons and the interest of justice for his recusal, a procedural development that comes as the court was set to hear both a civil asset forfeiture suit and a 16-count money laundering charge against Malami and his family.

The cases were reassigned to Justice Egwuatu by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court after previously being handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who sat as a vacation judge during the festive period. The recusal follows the civil suit seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami, including residential estates, hotels, school buildings, and commercial properties spread across Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Kebbi states.

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Malami, his wife, and son are facing charges of money laundering involving approximately ₦8.7 billion, for which they were granted bail of ₦500 million each with two sureties by Justice Nwite. The bail conditions require submission of travel documents and ownership of landed property in Abuja, specifically in Asokoro, Maitama, and Gwarinpa.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Egwuatu formally informed the court of his inability to continue hearing the matters, emphasizing that his withdrawal ensures fairness and integrity in the judicial process. The case files have been returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to a new judge.

The EFCC civil forfeiture case was initially filed to recover assets suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity, while the criminal charges relate to allegations of financial misconduct during Malami’s tenure as AGF. Legal analysts say that the reassignment, while routine, could lead to temporary delays in hearings, but it will not affect the substance or merits of the cases.

Justice Egwuatu’s withdrawal highlights the sensitive nature of high-profile cases involving public office holders and underscores the Federal High Court’s commitment to maintaining judicial impartiality. Neither the EFCC nor Malami has issued immediate comments regarding the recusal, but proceedings are expected to resume once a new judge is appointed.

Malami’s EFCC Trials Face Procedural Delay as Judge Steps Aside