The Malami trial has been reassigned after the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, transferred two high-profile cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
The cases will now be heard by Joyce Abdulmalik, who has fixed February 27 for proceedings.
The reassignment follows the withdrawal of Obiora Egwuatu, who stepped down from the matter on February 12, citing personal reasons and the interest of justice.
N212bn Properties Under Probe
The EFCC is prosecuting Malami on a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering.
In December 2025, the anti-graft agency disclosed that it had traced properties worth N212 billion to the former minister as part of an investigation into his tenure in office.
The assets allegedly include hotels, residential buildings, schools, land and a printing press located across Kebbi, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Malami was arraigned alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Bashir Asabe, over allegations of laundering N8.7 billion. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
EFCC Seeks Forfeiture of 57 Properties
In a separate suit, the EFCC is seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The cases were initially handled by Emeka Nwite during the court’s vacation period. After the vacation, Tsoho reassigned the matters to Egwuatu, who later recused himself and returned the case files to the chief judge.
Meanwhile, Malami and his son are also standing trial before Abdulmalik on a separate five-count charge bordering on terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
With proceedings now set to resume, attention turns to February 27 as the Malami trial reassigned takes centre stage in Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.
