A Federal High Court judge has recused himself from the high-profile ₦213 billion forfeiture case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, prompting the matter to be reassigned to ensure impartial proceedings.
Justice Obiora Egwatu withdrew from the case on Thursday, February 12, 2026, citing personal reasons and the interest of justice.
The judge directed that the file be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to a new presiding judge.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed the suit seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties linked to Malami and his sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru-Rahman Malami.
The assets, collectively valued at about ₦213.2 billion, include luxury homes, commercial buildings, and land across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states, and are alleged to be proceeds of unlawful activity.
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An interim forfeiture order, granted in January 2026 following an ex parte application, temporarily placed the properties under government control pending full adjudication.
The EFCC is required to publish the order to give interested parties 14 days to challenge the forfeiture.
Malami’s lawyers have contested the proceedings, arguing that the assets were lawfully acquired and fully declared, and that the interim order violates constitutional protections, including property rights and the presumption of innocence.
With the judge’s recusal, the case will be reassigned, and fresh directions are expected in the coming weeks, potentially affecting the timeline of the EFCC’s forfeiture bid and Malami’s defense strategy.