Justice Obiora Egwuatu has withdrawn from two high-profile cases filed against former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami.
The cases were instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged corruption and money laundering.
Egwuatu announced his decision shortly after a civil forfeiture matter was called at the Federal High Court.
He cited personal reasons and the interest of justice for stepping aside from the proceedings.
The judge said the case files would be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
The matters include a multi-billion-naira forfeiture suit involving 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami.
Also pending is an N8.7 billion money laundering charge against the former minister.
Malami’s wife, Asabe Bashir, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, are listed as co-defendants in the criminal case.
At the resumed sitting, EFCC counsel Ekele Iheanacho informed the court the matter was fixed for mention.
He disclosed that Malami’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, had written to seek an adjournment.
According to the prosecution, Daudu said he was engaged at the Court of Appeal and requested a new date.
Before further proceedings could continue, Egwuatu delivered a brief ruling announcing his recusal.
Other lawyers representing interested parties in some of the temporarily forfeited properties were present in court.
The cases were previously handled by Justice Emeka Nwite during the court’s Christmas vacation.
Following the end of the vacation, the Chief Judge reassigned the matters to Egwuatu.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has rejected claims that the prosecution is politically motivated.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede said the agency does not target opposition figures.
In a recent interview, he maintained that investigations into Malami predated his tenure.
Olukoyede said he reviewed and strengthened the case file to ensure thoroughness.
He added that the probe has lasted nearly two and a half years.
The EFCC boss insisted there was no element of persecution in the charges.
He said the agency proceeded only after concluding it had sufficient evidence.
The development added another twist to the legal battle involving the former justice minister.
