New judge withdraws from money laundering, asset forfeiture cases against Malami
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from the two cases the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed against former Attorney-General of the Federation
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from the two cases the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed against former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and two others.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court assigned the cases to Justice Egwuatu after the court’s last vacation.
This followed the return of the case file by Justice Emeka Nwite who heard the cases during the vacation.
Justice Egwuatu announced his withdrawal from the cases after the first one, which relates to asset forfeiture, was called.
The judge said his decision to withdraw from the case was for personal reasons and in the interest of justice.
He said the case files would be returned to the Chief Judge for onward transmission to another judge.
The first case, which borders on alleged N8.7 billion money laundering, involves Malami, his son, Abdulaziz, and Hajia Bashir Asabe, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, a firm allegedly linked to the former minister.
The second case is in relation to asset forfeiture, involving Malami alone. In it, the anti-graft agency is targeting about 57 properties the former minister allegedly acquired unlawfully.
Earlier, when the case was called, the prosecution lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), told the court that the case was for mention.
Iheanacho averred that the prosecuting agency got a letter from Malami’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), requesting an adjournment till February 16.
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He said Daudu hinged his request for an adjournment on his claim that he was at the Court of Appeal for another case.
After listening to Iheanacho, Justice Egwuatu, in a brief ruling, said he was withdrawing from presiding over the cases.
The judge said: “Gentlemen, for personal reasons and for the better interest of justice, I will recuse myself from this case and in the other sister case.”
Besides Malami, who has challenged the interim forfeiture order earlier made on the 57 properties, which the EFCC claimed he acquired unlawfully, other individuals and entities have shown interest.
During yesterday’s proceedings, some lawyers announced appearances for those who claimed to have been affected by the interim forfeiture order.
Kalu Kalu Agu said he was representing Alhaji Muktaka Usman Junju and Realsmart Tech Nigeria Limited; D. O. Anyebe said he was representing Real Edge Agro Services Limited; and M. S. Ishaq announced his appearance but did not state the interest he was appearing for.
