Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court has withdrawn from two cases instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

Justice Egwuatu, who was recently reassigned the matters by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, said he stepped aside for personal reasons and in the interest of justice.

The cases include a multi-billion-naira asset forfeiture suit involving 57 properties and an N8.7 billion money-laundering charge filed against Malami, his wife, Mrs. Asabe Bashir, and his son, Mr. Abdulaziz Malami.

The development followed the mention of the civil forfeiture suit.

Counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for mention and that Malami’s counsel, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, had written to request an adjournment until Monday, February 16, citing his appearance at the Court of Appeal.

In a brief ruling, Justice Egwuatu announced his recusal.

“Gentlemen, for personal reasons and in the interest of justice, I will recuse myself from this case and the sister case,” he said, directing that the files be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment.

Although Daudu was absent, lawyers representing other respondents and applicants with interests in some of the temporarily forfeited properties were present.

The matters were previously handled by Justice Emeka Nwite during the Yuletide vacation sitting before being reassigned.

Meanwhile, the EFCC insisted its actions are not politically motivated.

Speaking during an exclusive interview on Channels Television, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede said investigations are conducted without regard to political affiliation.

“There is nothing personal about this matter. If Nigeria is to move forward, the fight against corruption must not be partisan,” he said.

He added that the probe predated his tenure and that he merely ensured the investigation was thorough and professional.

“He has been under investigation for almost two and a half years. I inherited the file and we have painstakingly worked to establish the offences. We proceeded only after we were convinced we had a watertight case. There is nothing personal or political about it.”