In a sudden twist on Thursday, Justice Obiora Egwatu of the Federal High Court recused himself from presiding over the high-profile ₦213 billion asset forfeiture case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and two others, citing personal reasons.

The judge made the announcement shortly after counsel for the parties had formally entered their appearances in court.

“For personal reasons, and in the best interest of justice, I will step aside from this matter,” Justice Egwatu declared, directing that the case file be forwarded to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.

The suit, CR/700/2025, revolves around 57 properties across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states, valued at approximately ₦213.2 billion. Last month, Justice Emeka Nwite had ordered the temporary forfeiture of the assets to the Federal Government following an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which claimed the properties were suspected proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Malami and his family.

The portfolio includes university buildings, hotels, plazas, filling stations, residential estates, and large tracts of land. The interim order also mandated that the EFCC publish a notice in a national newspaper, inviting any interested party to show cause within 14 days why the properties should not be permanently forfeited.

Malami, however, has consistently maintained that his wealth was legally acquired and duly declared. He challenged the forfeiture order, describing the case as duplicative litigation and warning against conflicting judicial outcomes. The former AGF also urged the court to restrain the EFCC from interfering with three specific properties, asserting that one of them is held in trust for the estate of his late father, Kadi Malami.

The recusal has added another layer of uncertainty to the already tense legal battle, leaving observers keenly awaiting the appointment of a new judge.