Court shake-up as Judge steps down from Malami’s case

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court on Thursday recused himself from the two cases instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami.

Justice Egwuatu, who was recently re-assigned the matters by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, announced his decision in open court.

He said his withdrawal was for personal reasons and in the overall interest of justice.

The development occurred shortly after one of the matters — a civil forfeiture suit seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami — was called up for mention.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cases were previously before Justice Emeka Nwite, who handled the proceedings as vacation judge during the Christmas break.

Following Justice Egwuatu’s withdrawal, the cases are expected to be reassigned by the Chief Judge to another judge of the court.