Justice Nwite Recuses Himself From Malami’s ₦212bn Asset Case, Returns Case File to Chief Judge

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has recused himself from the asset forfeiture case involving Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

On Tuesday, 27 January 2026, Justice Nwite announced his decision to return the case file to Chief Judge John Tsoho for reassignment to a different judge.

The proceedings concern the interim forfeiture of 57 properties cumulatively valued at ₦212.8 billion, which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges were acquired through unlawful activities.

While a specific personal reason was not detailed in the open court on Tuesday, Justice Nwite had previously quitted another high-profile vacation case and issued a stern warning to lawyers and litigants not to approach him for "back-door" favours, emphasizing that he is "unapproachable".

Malami still faces a separate ₦8.7 billion money laundering charge involving 16 counts alongside his wife, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz Malami.

Despite being granted bail of ₦500 million on 7 January 2026, Malami was reportedly re-arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on 19 January 2026 shortly after exiting Kuje prison, reportedly over fresh investigations into terrorism financing and alleged arms discovery.

The Chief Judge is now expected to administratively reassign the asset forfeiture case to a new judge to conclude the proceedings.