Judge steps down from Malami forfeiture case. 0

Judge steps down from Malami forfeiture case

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A judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Obiora Egwatu, has stepped down from presiding over the high-profile asset forfeiture proceedings involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in a case centred on assets valued at approximately ₦213 billion.

The development marks a significant procedural shift in one of Nigeria’s most closely watched anti-corruption legal battles, as the judge steps down from Malami’s ₦213bn forfeiture case citing personal reasons and the interest of justice.

Justice Egwatu made the announcement in open court shortly after lawyers representing the parties identified themselves at the commencement of proceedings. He stated clearly that he would no longer continue with the matter and ordered that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to another judge, Judge steps down from Malami forfeiture case.

His decision introduces a new phase in the case, which stems from an interim forfeiture order obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involving 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami and valued at ₦213.2 billion.

The judge steps down from Malami’s ₦213bn forfeiture case at a time when the EFCC continues to pursue civil forfeiture proceedings, arguing that the properties were acquired through unlawful activities.

These properties reportedly include university buildings, hotels, filling stations, residential estates and large parcels of land located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states.

The interim forfeiture order was initially granted following an ex parte application by the EFCC, which requested the court’s authority to temporarily seize the assets pending further investigation and determination of ownership legitimacy.

The order also required public notice to allow interested parties to appear before the court and explain why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

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However, Malami has challenged the forfeiture proceedings, insisting that his wealth was lawfully acquired through legitimate earnings, investments and declared sources of income, Judge steps down from Malami forfeiture case.

His legal team argued that the forfeiture proceedings violated his constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence and protection of property rights.

The fact that the judge steps down from Malami’s ₦213bn forfeiture case now introduces procedural delays, as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court must reassign the matter to another judicial officer, Judge steps down from Malami forfeiture case.

Legal analysts say judicial recusal, though uncommon in high-profile cases, is an established legal procedure designed to preserve fairness, impartiality and public confidence in the justice system.

By stepping aside voluntarily, the judge ensures that the case proceeds without any perception of bias or procedural irregularity.

Court records show that Justice Egwatu had only recently been assigned the matter after earlier procedural developments involving other judicial officers.

The reassignment process highlights the complexity of asset forfeiture proceedings, particularly when the assets involved are extensive and the legal and political implications significant.

The judge steps down from Malami’s ₦213bn forfeiture case also underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the importance of ensuring that proceedings are conducted transparently and fairly, Judge steps down from Malami forfeiture case.

Malami, who served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice between 2015 and 2023, remains one of the country’s most prominent legal and political figures.

His tenure as Attorney-General placed him at the centre of major legal reforms and anti-corruption initiatives, making the forfeiture case especially consequential.

The EFCC maintains that the forfeiture proceedings are part of its statutory mandate to investigate corruption and recover assets suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

Legal experts note that civil forfeiture proceedings differ from criminal trials, as they focus on the ownership and legitimacy of assets rather than criminal conviction.

Nonetheless, the stakes remain high, both legally and politically, as the judge steps down from Malami’s ₦213bn forfeiture case and the matter proceeds toward reassignment.

Observers say the outcome of the forfeiture proceedings could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework and public confidence in judicial accountability, Judge steps down from Malami forfeiture case.

Judicial recusal itself does not affect the substance of the case, but it may delay proceedings as the new judge reviews filings, submissions and procedural history.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court is expected to assign the case to another judge, who will determine the next phase of proceedings, Judge steps down from Malami forfeiture case.

For now, the forfeiture case remains active, and legal attention remains focused on the Federal High Court as the reassignment process unfolds.

The fact that the judge steps down from Malami’s ₦213bn forfeiture case reinforces the importance of judicial neutrality and procedural integrity in high-profile litigation.

As Nigeria continues efforts to strengthen its anti-corruption institutions, the progress and outcome of the forfeiture proceedings will remain closely monitored by legal practitioners, policymakers and the public, Judge steps down from Malami forfeiture case.