The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned two cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, following the recusal of the previous trial judge.
The cases, which were returned to the Chief Judge after Justice Obiora Egwuatu stepped down on February 12 citing personal reasons, have now been reassigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. The new trial judge has fixed February 27 for hearing.
The EFCC’s suits against Malami, his wife Hajia Asabe Bashir, and his son Abdulaziz involve a multi-billion naira asset forfeiture case covering 57 properties, as well as a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering amounting to N8.7 billion.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who earlier presided over the matters during the court’s Christmas and New Year vacation, had on January 6 granted an interim forfeiture order on the 57 properties allegedly linked to unlawful activities. He directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper for interested parties to show cause within 14 days why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Malami, however, challenged the interim forfeiture, arguing through his counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN) that the EFCC obtained the order by suppressing material facts and misrepresenting the situation. He maintained that the proceedings violated his fundamental rights, including his right to property and presumption of innocence.
In the criminal case, Malami, his wife, and son were arraigned on December 30, 2025, on allegations of laundering N8,713,923,759.49. They pleaded not guilty to all charges and were initially remanded before being granted bail of N500 million each.
Subsequently, Malami and his son were re-arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on separate terrorism allegations. They were arraigned on February 3 before Justice Abdulmalik on a five-count terrorism charge.
The court has now scheduled February 27 for the re-arraignment in the money laundering case, hearing in the asset forfeiture suit, and commencement of trial in the terrorism charges; setting the stage for a significant legal showdown.
By Bimbo Adenrele, Abuja
