The Digest:
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court has withdrawn from the two cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami. The judge, who was recently reassigned the matter by Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho, cited personal reasons and the "better interest of justice" for his recusal. The development occurred shortly after the civil forfeiture suit involving 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami was called for mention. The cases were previously before Justice Emeka Nwite, who sat as a vacation judge during the Christmas break. No new date or assigned judge has been announced.
Key Points:
- The recusal further delays proceedings in high-profile corruption cases against a former chief law officer.
- It prolongs legal uncertainty for both the EFCC and Malami, who remain in custody over separate terrorism financing allegations.
- The court's integrity is preserved through judicial self-restraint, while the prosecution faces another procedural setback.
- Multiple judicial reassignments and withdrawals may fuel perceptions of instability in handling sensitive cases.
- The timing, moments after the case mention, suggests the recusal was triggered by case-specific considerations.
SOURCES
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
TAGS
Abubakar Malami, EFCC,
