High Court judge excuses self in Malami’s ₦213bn property dispute

Justice Obiora Egwatu of the Federal High Court on Thursday stepped down from presiding over the asset forfeiture suit involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and two others, citing personal reasons.

Announcing his decision shortly after counsel entered their appearances, Egwatu said: “For personal reasons, and for the better interest of justice, I will recuse myself from this case.” He directed that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.

The case involves 57 properties valued at about ₦213.2 billion, which Justice Emeka Nwite had previously ordered to be temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government following an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The assets include universities, hotels, plazas, filling stations, estates, and land across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna.

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Justice Nwite’s interim order required the EFCC to publish notices in a national newspaper and invite interested parties to show cause within 14 days why the properties should not be permanently forfeited.

Malami has challenged the forfeiture, insisting his assets were legitimately acquired and declared. He argued that the proceedings violate his rights to property, presumption of innocence, and family life, and warned against duplicative litigation.

He also asked the court to restrain the EFCC from interfering with three specific properties, one of which he claims is held in trust for his late father’s estate.

The reassignment of the case adds another layer of complexity to the high-profile legal battle over alleged illicit assets linked to the former AGF.

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