Judge withdraws from EFCC’s cases against Malami

By Taiye Agbaje

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, of Federal High Court of Abuja on Thursday, recused (withdrew) himself from the two cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Mr Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Justice Egwuatu, was recently re-assigned the case by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.

However, the Judge said he decided to withdraw from the two cases for personal reasons and for better interest of justice.

The development occurred shortly after the civil suit for forfeiture of 57 property allegedly linked to Malami was called for mention.

The cases were formerly before Justice Emeka Nwite, who sat as vacation judge during the Christmas break.

Justice Egwuatu had initially fixed today for continuation of hearing of a suit filed by Malami praying the court to vacate the interim order of forfeiture against his property.

The multi-billion naira landed property are located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna States.

Malami is challenging the EFCC on the property listed as No. 9, No. 18 and No. 48 in the ex-parte motion it brought to the court on Jan. 6.

The three properties, sought to be discharged, include Plot 157, Lamido Crescent, Nasarawa, GRA, Kano, purchased in July 31, 2019 with no specific amount stated in the schedule as No. 9.

They also include a Bedroom Duplex and Boys Quarters at No.12, Yalinga Street, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse Il, Abuja, purchased in October 2018 at N150 million, and ADC Kadi Malami Foundation Building, bought at N56 million listed as No. 18 and No. 48.

In a motion behalf by his team of lawyers led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, the ex-AGF alleged that the anti-corruption agency got the interim order by suppression of material facts and misrepresentation.

Malami, who urged the court to dismiss the suit to prevent “conflicting outcomes duplicative litigation,” argued that the proceeding was an assault on his fundamental right to owned property, his presumption of innocence and his right to live in peace with his family.

Details later