High Court judge recuses himself from Malami’s money laundering vases

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, a federal high court judge in Abuja, has withdrawn from presiding over two cases involving Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice.

At Thursday’s court session, Egwuatu cited personal reasons and the interest of justice for his decision to step aside.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Malami on a 16-count charge related to money laundering. In December 2025, the anti-graft agency traced assets worth N212 billion to Malami, covering hotels, residential buildings, lands, schools, and a printing press across Kebbi, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Malami, his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife Bashir Asabe were arraigned on charges of allegedly laundering N8.7 billion. All defendants pleaded not guilty.

In a separate suit, the EFCC is seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. During the court vacation period, Emeka Nwite, another federal high court judge, had ordered the interim forfeiture of these properties on January 6.

Following the granting of bail to Malami and his co-defendants on January 7, Nwite warned litigants and lawyers against attempting to influence him outside the courtroom. “All judges are not the same,” he said. “I have sworn to perform my duties without fear or favour. Any attempt to sway me will be vehemently resisted.”

After the vacation period, Chief Judge John Tsoho had reassigned the case to Egwuatu, who has now recused himself.