Justice Obiora Egwuatu on Thursday recused himself from two cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Mr. Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The judge, who was recently re-assigned the cases by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, said his decision to withdraw was based on personal reasons and in the interest of justice.
The development came shortly after a civil suit for the forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami was called for mention in court.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cases were initially before Justice Emeka Nwite, who sat as a vacation judge during the Christmas break.