Malami Corruption Case Stalls as Trial Judge Steps Aside

The high-profile trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over alleged N8.7 billion money laundering offences has hit a fresh delay after the presiding judge withdrew from the case, citing personal reasons and the interest of justice.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court announced his recusal on Thursday shortly after proceedings began in the civil suit seeking the forfeiture of dozens of properties allegedly linked to the former minister. His decision means both the civil and criminal cases against Malami will now be reassigned, further pushing back hearings in a matter that has already attracted national attention.

Judge Cites Personal Reasons, Orders Reassignment

Addressing lawyers in open court, Justice Egwuatu said he would no longer continue with the case due to undisclosed personal considerations, adding that his decision was necessary to preserve public confidence in the judicial process.

“For personal reasons and in the interest of justice, I hereby recuse myself from this case, and the sister matter,” the judge said briefly, before directing that the case files be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had brought two separate cases against Malami: a civil action seeking the permanent forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly acquired through illicit means, and a criminal trial involving 16 counts of money laundering amounting to about N8.7 billion. Malami’s wife, Asabe Bashir, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, are co-defendants in the criminal suit.

At Thursday’s sitting, EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for mention. However, Malami’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, was absent, having reportedly written to seek an adjournment to February 16 due to his engagement at the Court of Appeal. Other lawyers representing parties with interests in some of the disputed properties were present.

EFCC Forfeiture Case, Criminal Trial Faces Fresh Delays

Before Justice Egwuatu’s involvement, the cases had been handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who, sitting as a vacation judge on January 6, ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly traced to Malami. The assets, described by investigators as multi-billion-naira holdings, are located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states.

Justice Nwite also directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, giving interested parties 14 days to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

Malami has since challenged that order, arguing that the anti-graft agency suppressed material facts and misrepresented issues before the court. In a motion filed on January 27, his legal team urged the court to strike out the suit, warning that parallel proceedings could result in conflicting judicial outcomes. He also claimed the forfeiture process violated his constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence and the right to peaceful enjoyment of property.

Meanwhile, in the related criminal case, Malami, his wife, and son were arraigned on December 30, 2025, on 16 counts of alleged money laundering. All three pleaded not guilty and were initially remanded in correctional facilities before being granted bail on January 7 in the sum of N500 million each, with two sureties per defendant.

However, Malami and his son were later re-arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over separate terrorism-related allegations. The pair were arraigned on February 3 before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a five-count terrorism charge and remain in DSS custody.

With Justice Egwuatu’s withdrawal, both the forfeiture proceedings and the criminal trial will now await reassignment by the Chief Judge, adding another layer of delay to a case that has become one of the most closely watched corruption prosecutions involving a former top government official.

Legal observers say the setback underscores the complexity of high-profile financial crime cases in Nigeria, particularly where multiple agencies, overlapping charges, and asset recovery efforts converge, often stretching proceedings over several months, if not years.

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