A Federal High Court judge has recused himself from presiding over the high-profile ₦213 billion asset forfeiture case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and two others. The development marks a fresh chapter in the controversial legal battle over alleged illicit acquisition of multi-billion-naira properties.
On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Justice Obiora Egwatu announced to the Federal High Court in Abuja that he could no longer continue with the matter, citing personal reasons and emphasising that stepping aside was in the best interest of justice. Shortly after lawyers representing the parties identified themselves in court, the judge made his decision and directed that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to a new judicial officer.
The case, which has attracted intense public interest and legal scrutiny, centres on 57 properties valued at approximately ₦213.2 billion that were temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government following an interim order granted in January 2026 by Justice Emeka Nwite on application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The assets — including luxury residences, hotels, commercial real estate and land — span across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna States and are alleged to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Malami and his sons.
Prior to Justice Egwatu’s recusal, the case had only recently been transferred to him by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, after sitting Judge Emeka Nwite handled parts of the proceedings during the Christmas vacation. The legal action is tied to broader charges and investigations, including separate money laundering allegations brought by the EFCC against Malami and members of his family.
With the judge’s withdrawal, both the forfeiture suit and related matters will be reassigned to another Federal High Court judge, delaying scheduled proceedings as new hearing dates are expected to be set. Legal observers note that the recusal could impact the pace of the case, given the high stakes and complexity of the evidence and competing applications from defence counsels challenging the validity of the interim forfeiture order.
The EFCC has remained steadfast in its position that the properties represent suspected proceeds of unlawful activity and should ultimately be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government. Meanwhile, Malami’s legal team has challenged the forfeiture proceedings, arguing the interim order was improperly obtained and amounts to an infringement on fundamental rights, including the right to property and the presumption of innocence.
As Nigeria’s courts prepare to hand the matter to a new judge, public attention remains fixed on how judicial oversight will shape one of the most significant forfeiture cases linked to allegations of high-profile corruption in recent years.
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