On Thursday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Abuja Federal High Court recused himself from two 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, recently reassigned to the cases by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, cited personal reasons and the need to uphold the interest of justice for his decision to withdraw.
The development came as a civil suit seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami was called for mention in court.
The cases were initially handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who served as a vacation judge during the Christmas period.
Malami is also being prosecuted by the Federal Government, through the Department of State Services, DSS, for alleged terrorism financing.