On Thursday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja resigned from two proceedings against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami that were brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to Naija News, the judge, who was just handed the cases by Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, stated that his resignation was due to “personal reasons” and the “better interest of justice.”
This occurred soon after one of the cases—a civil suit requesting the confiscation of 57 assets purportedly associated with Malami—was brought up for discussion.
Justice Egwuatu made it apparent that he felt resigning was the best course of action in light of the situation, even if he did not specify the precise reasons for his decision.
During the Christmas court holiday, Justice Emeka Nwite served as the vacation judge and handled the cases at first.
A separate criminal complaint is allegedly connected to alleged financial malfeasance during Malami’s term, and the EFCC is pursuing civil forfeiture procedures against him over the contested properties.
The Federal High Court’s Chief Judge is now anticipated to transfer the case to a different judge.
