A Federal High Court judge in Nigeria has stepped aside from two major corruption-related cases brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who was recently assigned to oversee the proceedings, voluntarily recused himself on Thursday, citing personal reasons and what he described as the “best interest of justice.”
The judge’s decision came shortly after the civil application involving the forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Mr. Malami was mentioned in court.
The cases had earlier been handled during the Christmas break by Justice Emeka Nwite, who served as a vacation judge. Following the recusal, the matters must now be reassigned to another judicial officer before substantive hearings can continue.
Mr. Malami, who served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General from 2015 to 2023, has faced multiple legal challenges in recent months, including separate terrorism and money-laundering allegations, though he has maintained his innocence and challenged aspects of the investigations.
