A Federal High Court judge in Abuja, Obiora Egwuatu, has stepped down from presiding over two cases involving Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice.
At Thursday’s court session, Egwuatu said his decision to withdraw was taken “for personal reasons and in the interest of justice.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Malami on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering.
As part of its investigation, the anti-graft agency said it had traced 41 properties valued at about N212 billion to the former minister. The assets — including hotels, residential buildings, parcels of land, schools and a printing press — are located across Kebbi, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Further proceedings in the matter are expected to be reassigned following the judge’s withdrawal.
