Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court has withdrawn from presiding over two cases brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Abubakar Malami, Nigeria’s former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The recusal happened on Thursday during a court session when one of the cases a civil suit seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Mr Malami was called for mention.
Justice Egwuatu stated that he was stepping aside for personal reasons and in the interest of justice. The cases had recently been reassigned to him by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, after previously being handled by Justice Emeka Nwite during the court’s Christmas vacation period.