A Federal High Court judge in Abuja, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, on Thursday recused himself from presiding over two major cases instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
His withdrawal has introduced a new procedural turn in the ongoing legal battle involving allegations of money laundering and asset forfeiture.
Justice Egwuatu, who was recently reassigned the matters by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, announced his decision shortly after one of the cases a civil suit seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami was called for mention in court.
The judge cited “personal reasons” and the need to uphold the interest of justice as the basis for stepping aside.
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He directed that the case files be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge for further adjudication.
The disputes involve two interconnected suits filed by the anti-graft agency. One is a civil forfeiture action concerning 57 properties including hospitality, residential and commercial assets across multiple states, valued at an estimated ₦212.8 billion, which the EFCC alleges are proceeds of unlawful activity linked to Malami and others.
The other is a criminal money laundering prosecution in which Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, face a 16-count charge related to alleged laundering of funds totaling several billions of naira.
The two matters were initially handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over them during a court vacation period.
Justice Nwite had, in January, granted interim forfeiture orders on the 57 properties after the EFCC’s ex parte application, instructing publication of notices to allow interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited.
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Malami, who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has challenged aspects of the forfeiture proceedings, maintaining that his assets were legitimately acquired and fully declared.
In related proceedings, the Department of State Services (DSS) has separately prosecuted Malami and his son on allegations of terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
Justice Egwuatu’s withdrawal, the cases will now be reallocated to a different Federal High Court judge, and the timeline for the next court dates will be determined once reassignment is completed.
Image Credit: The Guardian
Source: The Guardian
