Proceedings in the alleged money laundering trial involving former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), have been disrupted following the withdrawal of the presiding judge.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, announced on Thursday that he was stepping aside from the case, citing personal reasons and the need to uphold the interest of justice.
Malami is standing trial alongside his son, Abdulaziz, and Asabe Bashir, an employee of Rahamanniyya Properties Limited, over allegations brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency had arraigned the trio on a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering involving funds said to exceed ₦9 billion.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired to conceal the origin of properties located in choice areas of Abuja, Kebbi and Kano states, with a total estimated value of about ₦9 billion.
Stay tuned…
