A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja was on Thursday thrown into fresh uncertainty as Justice Obiora Egwuatu withdrew from the trial of a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), in the ongoing N8.7bn money laundering case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Justice Egwuatu announced his decision at the resumed proceedings, stating that he would no longer preside over the two matters involving the former minister for personal reasons and in the interest of justice.
The withdrawal marks another twist in the high-profile prosecution of Malami, who is facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering.
The anti-graft agency had in December 2025 disclosed that it traced 41 properties valued at N212bn to the former AGF as part of an ongoing investigation into his tenure in office.
The properties — comprising hotels, residential buildings, parcels of land, schools and a printing press — are located in Kebbi, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory.
Malami was arraigned alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Bashir Asabe, over alleged money laundering involving N8,713,923,759.49. The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In a separate but related suit, the EFCC is seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The cases were initially handled by Justice Emeka Nwite during the court’s vacation period. On January 6, Nwite ordered the interim forfeiture of the 57 properties.
A day later, after granting bail to Malami and his co-defendants, the judge issued a stern warning to lawyers and litigants against attempting to influence court proceedings through backdoor approaches.
“Before concluding, I want to admonish and warn counsel and litigants that all judges are not the same,” Nwite had cautioned.
“When I am handling any case, please don’t approach me. You can get the best lawyers in this country to do your case, but don’t attempt to approach me for any help.
“I have sworn before Almighty God and man that I am going to do my duty without fear or favour. Any attempt to try this will be vehemently resisted.”
Following the end of the vacation, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, reassigned the cases to Justice Egwuatu, who has now recused himself.
With the latest development, the cases are expected to be reassigned to another judge of the Federal High Court for continuation of trial.
The prosecution of Malami, who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer between 2015 and 2023, remains one of the most closely watched anti-corruption cases involving a former top government official.
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