Judge Recuses Self from EFCC Trial of Ex-AGF Malami
The judge presiding over the corruption case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has withdrawn from the matter.
The development occurred during proceedings at the Federal High Court on Wednesday, where the judge announced the decision to step aside from the case.
Although the specific reasons for the withdrawal were not immediately made public, the court indicated that the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge.
Malami, who served as AGF and Minister of Justice under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is facing charges filed by the EFCC over alleged financial misconduct.
The anti-graft agency had accused the former AGF of involvement in alleged irregularities during his time in office. Malami, however, has denied any wrongdoing.
Legal analysts say the withdrawal of a judge from a case is not unusual and may occur for administrative, procedural or other judicial reasons to ensure fairness and transparency in the trial process.
The case is expected to resume once it is reassigned to a new judge.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC has not issued an official statement regarding the development.