Judge Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has announced his withdrawal from two significant cases brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. This development came right after an asset forfeiture suit was mentioned in court, indicating a possible reluctance to handle matters that may correlate with political sensitivities or conflicts of interest.

The two cases involve serious allegations, including proceedings for the forfeiture of 57 land assets valued at approximately N212.8 billion allegedly linked to Malami, and a money laundering case totaling N8.7 billion that implicates not only Malami but also his wife and son. The withdrawal is seen as a measure to ensure that the interests of justice are upheld amid a bureaucratic and possibly controversial legal environment surrounding the EFCC’s operations.

This decision by Judge Egwuatu raises questions about the integrity and impartiality of judicial proceedings involving high-profile political figures in Nigeria. As the EFCC continues its crackdown on corruption, the withdrawal may reflect the increasing scrutiny judges face in cases that can have significant political ramifications, especially given the weight of the accusations against Malami and the potential impact on Nigeria's fight against corruption.