ABUJA, Nigeria — The chief judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned two cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who fixed Feb. 27 for proceedings, Feb. 24, 2026. The reassignment followed the withdrawal of Justice Obiora Egwuatu from the matters after he recused himself, citing personal reasons and the interest of justice.

Egwuatu stepped down from the cases Feb. 12. The matters were initially handled by Justice Emeka Nwite during the court’s vacation. After the vacation, Tsoho reassigned them to Egwuatu, who later returned the case files to the chief judge following his withdrawal.

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The EFCC is prosecuting Malami on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering. In December 2025, the anti-graft agency said it traced properties worth N212 billion to the former attorney general as part of its investigation into his tenure.

The assets allegedly include hotels, residential buildings, schools, land and a printing press located in Kebbi, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory.

Malami was arraigned alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Bashir Asabe, over allegations of laundering ₦8,713,923,759.49. The defendants pleaded not guilty.

In a separate suit, the EFCC is seeking forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Meanwhile, Malami and his son are also standing trial before Abdulmalik on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

Proceedings in the reassigned cases are scheduled to begin Feb. 27.