Judge Withdraws from Malami’s ₦213bn Forfeiture Case

A Federal High Court judge, Justice Obiora Egwatu, has recused himself from the high-profile civil forfeiture suit involving former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, SAN, and two others.

The suit, which centers on assets valued at about ₦213 billion, will now be reassigned to another judge. Justice Egwuatu informed the court on Thursday that he was stepping aside for personal reasons and in the interest of justice. He directed that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment. The decision came shortly after lawyers for the parties formally entered their appearances in court. The forfeiture suit was filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking permanent forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami and his sons. The assets, reportedly located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna, include university buildings, hotels, plazas, filling stations, residential estates, and large tracts of land. An interim forfeiture order was granted in January, directing publication of notice and inviting interested parties to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited. Malami has challenged the proceedings, filing motions to set aside parts of the interim order and restrain the EFCC from interfering with some properties. He argues that the assets were lawfully acquired and properly declared in asset disclosure forms submitted during his tenure. The former AGF is also involved in other related legal matters, including a separate criminal trial involving alleged money laundering of approximately ₦8.7 billion. The developments have fueled national debate over corruption enforcement and the accountability of former public officials in Nigeria. With Justice Egwatu’s withdrawal, the Chief Judge will reassign the case, and new hearing dates will be set for the forfeiture suit. Malami’s legal challenges to the interim order are expected to continue in the coming weeks.