The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed fresh and serious criminal charges against former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, in a high‑stakes money laundering case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Details of the Charges
According to court documents filed on December 23, 2025, the federal government accused Malami and his son of money laundering and unlawful funds concealment in a 16‑count charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025.
The charges, which run into multiple alleged offenses, center on claims that the defendants:
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Procured companies such as Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal the unlawful origins of billions of naira deposited in bank accounts, funds they allegedly knew or ought to have known were proceeds of illegal activity.
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Concealed and controlled large sums through accounts in institutions like Sterling Bank Plc and Union Bank Plc.
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Purchased various high‑value properties across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and other locations using allegedly illicit funds.
In one of the counts, it is alleged that the defendants hid over ₦1.014 billion in a bank account through corporate fronts—a key example cited in the federal government’s case.
The offences are said to violate several provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Involvement of Co‑Defendants
Alongside Malami and his son, the charge sheet includes Hajia Bashir Asabe, identified as an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, as a co‑defendant.
Asset Forfeiture and Properties Under Scrutiny
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), prosecuting the case on behalf of the Federal Government, also seeks to invoke the Non‑Conviction Asset Forfeiture provisions of its establishing Act to seize assets allegedly tied to the illicit dealings. Some properties are valued at over ₦212.8 billion, reflecting the magnitude of the allegations.
Legal Representation
The prosecution team is led by senior legal minds, including Chief Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), and Ekene Iheanacho (SAN), supported by a team of about 14 other lawyers.
Bail and Court Proceedings
While the fresh charges represent an escalation in the legal battle against Malami and his co‑defendants, the former AGF has recently been granted interim bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The court ordered that Malami surrender his international passport and provide bail bonds with two sureties before the next hearing. The matter has been adjourned to January 5, 2026, for further proceedings.
Background Context
Abubakar Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney‑General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
His tenure was already under scrutiny for various allegations related to financial misconduct, and this latest round of charges marks one of the most significant legal challenges he has faced since leaving office.
What’s Next
The Federal High Court’s upcoming sessions will test the government’s case, which includes detailed financial records, alleged money‑laundering schemes, and property valuations.
The defendants are expected to mount a defence, and given the prominence of the figures involved, the case is likely to attract national and international attention.
