Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court has withdrawn from two high-profile cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
The judge cited personal reasons and the interest of justice as the basis for his decision.
The cases involve allegations of corruption and unlawful acquisition of assets, including a civil suit seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami.
The EFCC had previously obtained an interim forfeiture order, which Malami is contesting.
Malami is also facing charges of terrorism financing, aiding and abetting terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, alongside his son Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami.
The Department of State Services (DSS) alleges that Malami deliberately refused to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers during his tenure as Attorney-General.
