Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has recused himself from the two cases instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
The judge announced his withdrawal from the matters on Thursday, explaining that the decision was taken for personal reasons and in the overall interest of justice.
Justice Egwuatu, who was recently reassigned the cases by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, stepped aside shortly after a civil forfeiture suit involving 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami was mentioned in court.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the cases were previously handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over them as a vacation judge during the Christmas break.
It remains unclear when the cases will be reassigned to another judge for further proceedings.
