By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of an Abuja Federal High Court, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, recused himself from the handling of the two legal proceedings filed against the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC.
The Source reports that the two cases bordering on alleged money laundering, corrupt practices, and unlawful acquisitions of about 57 Properties were recently transfered to Justice Egwuatu, by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Honourable Justice John Tsoho.
A vacation Judge, Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite had on January 6, issued an interim order for about 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami, his wife and son to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The court also directed that the interim order of forfeiture be published in a national daily requesting interested persons to within 14 days of the said publication show cause why the said properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The order was sequel to a motion ex-parte filed by the EFCC seeking the forfeiture of the said properties on the grounds that they reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The said properties are with an estimated value of over N213 billion, according to the anti-graft Commission are scattered across three states of Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi and the Federal Capital Territory FCT.
However, between Monday January 2,2026, and last week, Malami, and two other applicants- namely Muktaka Usman Junju ,and Rayjaan Bustan and Agro Allied LTD had filed separate applications asking the court to remove properties listed as Nos 1,9,18,28,29, 30,31,32 ,40 and 48 from the schedule of properties attached to the forfeiture order.
The applicants separately and collectively are seeking an order of the court nullifying and discharging the earlier interim order of forfeiture placed on the said properties , having been duly acquired through legitimate means.
The applicants also contended that the EFCC did not not comply with all the statutory and constitutional requirements governing interim forfeiture proceedings, particularly, as they relate to the Evidence Act, and the Advance Fee Fraud ,and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.
The new trial Judge, Justice Obiora, who had scheduled Thursday February 12, for the commencement of hearing into the applications , however , announced his withdrawal from the Interim forfeiture case and another bordering on alleged money laundering and corrupt enrichment against the former Attorney General of the Federation, citing personal reasons, and the need to ensure justice as major reasons for his action.
The announcement of his withdrawal was made immediately the suit for the forfeiture of the 57 properties was called for hearing.
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