Former AGF Malami,
A judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Emeka Nwite, has withdrawn from the N212.8 billion asset forfeiture case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
Justice Nwite announced on Tuesday that he had returned the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge who will conclude the proceedings.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order on 7 January against 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami, valued at N212.8 billion.
The assets are located in Abuja, Kano, and Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, and were seized on allegations that they were acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.
DAILY GAZETTE recall that Justice Nwite had initially granted the interim forfeiture order on 6 January and adjourned the matter to 27 January for the consideration of a final forfeiture order.
However, the case did not appear on the list of the 24 matters scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, despite the presence of lawyers who had filed processes challenging the final forfeiture of the assets. Counsel to the EFCC, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, was also in court.
When proceedings were about to commence, Okutepa drew the judge’s attention to the matter, noting that it was fixed for a report of compliance and urging the court to conclude the case.
In response, Justice Nwite explained that under established court practice, cases handled by judges during court vacations, including the Christmas and New Year break, must be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment once normal court sittings resume.
He added that the Chief Judge would reassign the matter to any judge of his choice for substantive hearing and determination.
Malami, who is currently in the custody of the State Security Service, is also facing a separate N8.7 billion money laundering charge before the Federal High Court.
