Justice Obiora Egwuatu has withdrawn from two cases instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice,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, who was recently assigned the matters by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, said he stepped aside for personal reasons and in the interest of justice.
The cases involve a multi-billion-naira asset forfeiture suit concerning 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami, as well as N8.7 billion money laundering charges filed against him, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami.
The development came shortly after the civil forfeiture case was called up for mention.
At the resumed proceedings, EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for mention. He added that the commission had received a letter from Malami’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, requesting an adjournment to Monday, February 16, as he was appearing before the Court of Appeal in another matter.
In a brief ruling, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision to step down.
“Gentlemen, for personal reasons and in the interest of justice, I will recuse myself from this case and in the other sister case,” he said, directing that the case files be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
Although Daudu was absent, lawyers representing other respondents and applicants with interests in some of the properties already under interim forfeiture to the Federal Government were present in court.
The cases were previously handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided as vacation judge during the Yuletide break. Following the end of the Christmas vacation sitting, the Chief Judge reassigned the matters to Justice Egwuatu, fixing February 12 for the civil case and February 16 for the money laundering trial.
No Witch-Hunt — EFCC
Meanwhile, the EFCC has maintained that its actions are not politically motivated and are not targeted at opposition figures, including Malami.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made this known in an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, insisting that the probe of the former attorney-general is not personal.
“There is nothing personal in this matter. If Nigeria is to move forward, all of us must agree that this fight must be fought without being partisan,” Olukoyede said.
He noted that the investigation into Malami began before he assumed office, adding that he only ensured the probe was conducted professionally and thoroughly.
“The investigation of this man predated me in office. I inherited the file, and for over two years we have been painstakingly carrying out the investigation to establish the alleged offences,” he stated.
Olukoyede added that charges were filed only after he was satisfied that the commission had built a strong case.
“There is nothing personal about it. I don’t understand the issue of persecution,” he said.
