Twist In Court: EFCC’s Cases Against Malami Reassigned by Justice Tsoho

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, has transferred the two cases instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to another judge.

The matters have now been reassigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who has scheduled February 27 for the commencement of proceedings.

The reassignment came after Justice Obiora Egwuatu stepped down from the cases. On February 12, Egwuatu recused himself, citing personal reasons and the interest of justice.

Initially, the cases were handled by Justice Emeka Nwite during the court’s vacation. After the vacation period, they were reassigned by the Chief Judge to Justice Egwuatu. Following his withdrawal, the case files were returned to Tsoho, leading to their fresh reassignment.

The EFCC is prosecuting Malami on a 16-count charge related to alleged money laundering. In December 2025, the commission revealed that it had traced properties valued at N212 billion to the former AGF as part of investigations into his time in office.

The assets allegedly linked to him include hotels, residential houses, schools, parcels of land, and a printing press located in Kebbi, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory.

Malami was arraigned alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Bashir Asabe, over allegations of laundering ₦8,713,923,759.49. All defendants pleaded not guilty.

In a separate action, the EFCC is pursuing the forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Additionally, Malami and his son are facing trial before Justice Abdulmalik on a five-count charge involving alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.

Hearings in the reassigned cases are set to begin on February 27.