Judge Withdraws from N212.8bn Assets Forfeiture Case Involving Ex-Attorney General Malami

In a significant development, a judge has recused himself from presiding over a high-stakes assets forfeiture case worth N212.8 billion involving 57 properties seized from Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney General of Nigeria. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had obtained an interim forfeiture order for the assets located in Abuja, Kano, Birnin Kebbi, and Kebbi State.

The judge who issued the interim forfeiture order, Emeka Nwite, announced his withdrawal from the case, leading to the expectation of a new judge being assigned. Despite efforts by lawyers to oppose the issuance of a final forfeiture order, the matter was not listed for hearing on the scheduled date.

Malami is currently detained by the State Security Service (SSS) facing separate money laundering charges. The case is set to be reassigned as regular court sessions resume.