In a major legal development on Tuesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), along with his son and one of his wives, at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications.
The order followed Malami’s arraignment alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe, before the court.
Judge Rejects Oral Bail Request
Trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, issued the remand directive after taking submissions from counsel on both sides. The defence team was led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, while the prosecution was represented by Ekele Iheneacho, SAN.
Justice Nwite declined the defence’s oral application for bail, ruling that the prosecution must be given adequate opportunity to respond through a formal bail process. The court subsequently ordered that all three defendants be kept in custody pending the bail hearing.
EFCC Files 16-Count Money Laundering Charge
Malami and his co-defendants are standing trial on a 16-count charge of money laundering filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the commission, the defendants allegedly conspired at different times to conceal, retain and disguise proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to several billions of naira.
Alleged Scheme Spans Years, Involves Properties and Companies
The EFCC alleges that the offences spanned several years and involved the use of corporate entities and multiple bank accounts to launder illicit funds. The charge also includes allegations of retaining large sums of cash as collateral for loans and acquiring high-value properties in Abuja, Kano and other locations across the country.
Offences Allegedly Committed While Malami Was AGF
In a particularly sensitive aspect of the case, the anti-graft agency claims that some of the alleged offences were committed while Malami was serving as Attorney-General of the Federation, Nigeria’s chief law officer.
The EFCC says the actions violate provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Defendants Plead Not Guilty
Malami and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court adjourned the case to a later date for the hearing of their bail applications and ordered that they remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until then.
The remand of a former Attorney-General, alongside his immediate family members, marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts and is expected to continue drawing widespread public and legal attention.
