Justice Obiora Egwatu of the Federal High Court has stepped down from handling the asset forfeiture case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and two others.
The judge announced his decision on Thursday shortly after lawyers appeared in court, stating that he was recusing himself for personal reasons and in the interest of justice. He directed that the case file, marked CR/700/2025, be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to another judge.
The case concerns the interim forfeiture of 57 properties valued at about ₦213.2 billion. On January 6, Justice Emeka Nwite granted an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, ordering the temporary forfeiture of the assets to the Federal Government.
The EFCC alleges that the properties are suspected proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Malami and his sons. The assets reportedly include university buildings, hotels, plazas, filling stations, residential estates, and large parcels of land in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states.
The court had also directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper and invited interested parties to show cause within 14 days why the properties should not be permanently forfeited.
Malami has challenged the forfeiture, insisting that his assets were lawfully acquired and properly declared. He urged the court to dismiss the proceedings, arguing that they violate his constitutional rights and could lead to conflicting judicial decisions.
With Justice Egwatu’s withdrawal, the case will now be reassigned for further hearing.
Comments 1