Chief Judge Reassigns Money Laundering Cases Against Malami to New Judge
John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, has assigned the two money laundering cases against former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to a new judge.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission filed the cases against the former minister of justice. The matters are now before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. She has scheduled the next court proceedings for February 27.
This change happened after the previous judge, Obiora Egwuatu, withdrew from the matter on February 12. Egwuatu stepped down from presiding over the trial and cited “personal reasons and the interest of justice” for his decision.
The anti-graft agency is prosecuting Malami on a 16-count charge related to money laundering. In December 2025, the commission announced that it had traced properties worth 212 billion naira to Malami during an investigation into his time in office.
The assets include hotels, residential buildings, schools, land, and a printing press located in Kebbi, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Malami is facing trial alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Bashir Asabe. The government accused them of laundering over 8.7 billion naira. All the defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In a separate lawsuit, the commission is asking the court to seize 57 properties suspected to be the proceeds of illegal activities.
Emeka Nwite initially handled the cases during the court vacation period. Tsoho later gave the files to Egwuatu, who returned them to the chief judge before the recent reassignment.
Meanwhile, Malami and his son are also facing a separate five count charge before Abdulmalik. This trial involves allegations of terrorism financing and the illegal possession of firearms.
