Judge announces withdrawal from EFCC’s case against Malami

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, on Thursday, announced his withdrawal from the two cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

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 the better interest of justice.

The development occurred shortly after the civil suit for forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami was called for mention on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The cases were formerly before Justice Emeka Nwite, who sat as vacation judge during the Christmas break.

The two cases include the multibillion-naira asset forfeiture case concerning 57 properties and the N8.7 billion money laundering charges filed by the EFCC against Malami, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz Malami.

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Upon resumed hearing, EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), informed the court that the matter was scheduled for mention.

The lawyer, however, told the court that the commission received a letter from Joseph Daudu (SAN), who is Malami’s counsel, seeking an adjournment of the case to Monday, February 16.

He said Daudu stated in the letter that he was at the Court of Appeal for another case, hence, the need for the application for an adjournment.

Shortly after Iheanacho addressed the court, Justice Egwuatu, in a brief ruling, announced his recusal from the case.

“Gentlemen, for personal reasons and for better interest of justice, I will recuse myself from this case and in the other sister case,” the judge said.

The judge said the case files would be remitted back to the chief judge.

The Star