Court Orders Remand of Abubakar Malami, Son and Wife, Pending Bail Hearing

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), at Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the hearing of his bail application.

Justice Emeka Nwite also directed that Malami’s co-defendants—his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe—be held in custody alongside him.

The ruling followed arguments from the defence team, led by Joseph Daudu (SAN), and the prosecution, represented by Ekele Iheneacho (SAN).

Malami and his co-defendants are facing a 16-count money laundering charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The commission alleges that they conspired to conceal, retain, and disguise proceeds from unlawful activities amounting to several billions of naira.

The charges reportedly cover multiple years and involve the use of corporate entities and bank accounts to launder funds, holding cash as collateral for loans, and acquiring high-value properties in Abuja, Kano, and other locations.

The EFCC further claims that some of the alleged offences took place while Malami was serving as Attorney-General, in breach of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.