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Tag: Malami

Court Grants N200 Million Bail To Abubakar Malami, Wife And Son Pending Trial

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and their son, Abdulaziz Malami. Presiding Judge Joyce Abdulmalik on Friday set bail at N200 million for each defendant, with two sureties of equal value. One surety is required to submit title documents for a property located in either Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja. The court also ordered that the defendants deposit their international passports. Until these conditions are fulfilled, the Malami family will remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). Case Background The family was re-arraigned on Friday following a reassignment of the case. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged them with 16 counts, alleging that between 2015 and 2025 they conspired to launder proceeds from unlawful activities. The agency claims the defendants used personal and corporate bank accounts to conceal the source and ownership of over N8.1 billion. According to the EFCC, significant sums were routed through companies linked to the Malami family, including Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited and Meethaq Hotels Limited, using multiple commercial banks. The funds were reportedly structured to hide their illicit origin and evade regulatory oversight. Part of the money, including approximately N600 million, was allegedly held as cash collateral for bank facilities, despite the defendants allegedly being aware—or reasonably expected to be aware—that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities. The EFCC further accused the Malami family of using the money to acquire high-value residential and commercial properties in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi states, either directly or through proxies, in an effort to disguise ownership. The agency claims the defendants conspired to maintain control of illicit funds, acquire assets indirectly, and conceal the true source of the money through a network of financial transactions and corporate entities.

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Court Adjourns Former AGF Abubakar Malami’s Terrorism Trial To March 10

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the terrorism trial involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, to March 10, 2026. The adjournment followed a request from the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, who said the prosecution needed more time to review the case. The matter was recently transferred from the Department of State Services (DSS) to the DPP’s office, and Oyedepo explained that the prosecution required additional time to study the file thoroughly. Defence counsel, Adedayo Adedeji, did not oppose the request but warned that the court should strike out the case if the prosecution fails to begin the trial on the next hearing, alleging that the case had not been diligently prosecuted. Presiding Judge Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment and directed the prosecution to open its case when the trial resumes on March 10.

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Malami, Son Remanded in Kuje as Court Grants N200m Bail Over Terrorism Charges

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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has approved bail for former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, in the sum of N200 million each over allegations bordering on terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. Delivering her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik explained that bail is primarily meant to guarantee a defendant’s presence in court for trial. She granted the duo bail with two sureties each who must provide the same amount. The court stipulated that one of the sureties must own a developed property located in either Maitama or Asokoro in Abuja and must submit the title documents to the Deputy Chief Registrar. Both sureties are also required to file affidavits of means and submit two recent passport photographs. Malami and his son were ordered to deposit their international passports alongside recent passport photographs with the court. However, they are to remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre until all bail conditions are met. The matter was adjourned to March 4 for the commencement of trial. The Department of State Services had earlier filed a five-count charge against the pair, accusing them of terrorism financing, preparatory acts related to terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms. They had pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them. At the hearing, A.U. Igwe represented the prosecution, while J.B. Daudu, SAN, appeared for the defence and urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms. The prosecution informed the court that the case file had been forwarded to the Department of Public Prosecution and requested a trial date. In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, the DSS alleged that Malami, while serving as AGF and Minister of Justice in November 2022, failed to prosecute certain suspected terrorism financiers despite receiving their case files. The agency also accused Malami and his son of unlawfully possessing a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, in December 2025.

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Malami, Wife and Son Re-Arraigned by EFCC

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday re-arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife, Asabe Bashir, and their son, Abdulaziz, over money laundering allegations. The trio appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja following the reassignment of their case to a new trial judge. At the resumed hearing, EFCC’s counsel, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, informed the court that the defendants were being re-arraigned and requested that their pleas be taken. Okutepa also sought corrections to the sums stated in Counts 11 and 12 of the charge, asking that N325 million replace N325 billion in Count 11 and N120 million replace N120 billion in Count 12. The defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not object, and Justice Abdulmalik approved the corrections. The defendants pleaded not guilty to all 16 counts of money laundering leveled against them by the EFCC. Malami, his wife, and son were first arraigned before Justice Nwite on December 30, 2025, under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025. While Malami and Abdulaziz were initially remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, Asabe was held at Suleja Correctional Centre before all three were granted N500 million bail each, with two sureties of equal amount, on January 7.

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Judge Steps Down From Court Case Against Malami Over ₦213bn Properties

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Justice Obiora Egwatu on Thursday stepped down from presiding over the Federal High Court’s asset forfeiture case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, SAN, and two others, citing personal reasons. The judge informed the court shortly after the parties’ lawyers announced their appearances that he could no longer continue with the matter. “Ladies and gentlemen, for personal reasons, and in the best interest of justice, I will recuse myself from this case,” Egwatu said. He directed that the case file be sent to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment. “The instant charge CR/700/2025 filed FRN vs Abubakar Malami (SAN) and two others shall be returned to the Chief Judge for further directives,” he added. The development comes amid a high-stakes legal dispute over 57 properties valued at about ₦213.2bn, which Justice Emeka Nwite had ordered temporarily forfeited to the Federal Government last month. The interim forfeiture, granted on January 6, followed an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which alleges the assets are suspected proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Malami and his sons. The portfolio includes university buildings, hotels, plazas, filling stations, residential estates, and large tracts of land across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states, all of which the EFCC claims were acquired illegally. Justice Nwite’s order also required the EFCC to publish a notice in a national newspaper, inviting any interested party to show cause within 14 days why the properties should not be permanently forfeited. Malami, however, has challenged the order, insisting his wealth was legally obtained and fully declared to the relevant authorities. The former AGF asked the court to dismiss the proceedings, warning against “conflicting outcomes” and “duplicative litigation,” and argued that the case violated his rights to property, presumption of innocence, and family life. He further sought to restrain the EFCC from interfering with his ownership, possession, and control of three specific properties numbered 9, 18, and 48 in the EFCC’s application, noting that one of the properties is held in trust for the estate of his late father, Kadi Malami.

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Malami Faces Fresh Investigation Over Arms Allegedly Found In Kebbi Residence

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Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), is facing a fresh investigation following the discovery of arms and ammunition allegedly found in his residence. According to a report by The Nation, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission uncovered the weapons during a search of Malami’s country home in Kebbi State. The EFCC was said to have handed over the arms to the Department of State Services, explaining that it lacks the constitutional mandate to investigate illegal possession of firearms. While the exact number of weapons could not be independently confirmed, sources disclosed that the quantity was substantial enough to trigger a full investigation by the DSS. This development comes amid Malami’s ongoing fraud trial. Last week, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted Malami, his wife Asabe Bashir, and their son Abdulaziz Malami bail in the sum of N500 million each, with two sureties. Despite the ruling, Malami remains at the Kuje Correctional Centre after failing to meet the bail conditions. Sources suggested that Malami’s inability to perfect his bail may be linked to the DSS investigation into the weapons allegedly found in his Birnin Kebbi residence. “The former minister is being separately investigated for allegedly having arms in his house in Birnin Kebbi. The inventory of the find has been handed over to the DSS. It is now left to Malami to explain to the DSS how he came about the arms. That is why he is yet to perfect his bail conditions,” a source said. Another source added that DSS operatives are reportedly around the Kuje Correctional Centre to invite Malami for questioning, noting that he may be delaying his release to avoid immediate arrest. An EFCC source also dismissed claims circulating on social media that Malami had returned to Kebbi State, insisting that he remains in custody. “By our records, the former AGF is still in custody. We have seen several misleading clips online about his alleged arrival and reception in Kebbi State,” the source said. The source further revealed that investigations into Malami’s activities began as far back as 2019 and have continued across different leaderships at the EFCC. “There is nothing vindictive about this investigation. It started under former EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu and continued through subsequent administrations to the current leadership. It is an inherited case, and Malami is fully aware of it.” Investigations into both the alleged arms discovery and the fraud charges against the former minister are ongoing.

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Court Orders Interim Forfeiture Of 57 Properties Linked To Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to the Federal Government. The order was issued by Justice Emeka Nwite following an ex-parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the assets, valued at billions of naira, include luxury residential and commercial properties across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states. The Certified True Copy (CTC) of the order was obtained on Wednesday, a day after the ruling. In his judgment, Justice Nwite declared: “It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties described in Schedule One below, which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.” The judge directed that the order be published in a national newspaper to allow any interested party 14 days to contest the forfeiture before a final order is issued. The matter was adjourned to January 27 for a compliance report. The properties include high-value assets such as: Luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja, currently valued at nearly N6 billion. Two-winged large storey building at Onitsha Crescent, Garki, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels), purchased for N7 billion. Five-storey Meethaq Hotel in Jabi District, Abuja, valued at N8.4 billion after completion. Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Maitama, with 15 rooms, valued at N12.95 billion after rehabilitation. Various commercial shops, warehouses, bungalows, and plots of land in Abuja, Kano, and Birnin Kebbi acquired between 2016 and 2024, with individual values ranging from N40 million to over N12 billion. Residential estates and multiple housing units in Birnin Kebbi, Abuja, and Kaduna, purchased between 2018 and 2023. Justice Nwite emphasized that the properties are “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities” and placed them under interim forfeiture while investigations continue. The ruling represents a significant move by the EFCC to recover assets suspected to have been obtained through illegal means.

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Court Grants ₦500 Million Bail To Abubakar Malami, Wife, And Son With Strict Conditions

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Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday granted bail of ₦500 million each to former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, his wife, and their son, setting strict conditions for their release. The court ordered that the sureties must own landed property in Asokoro, Maitama, and Gwarinpa, with the property documents verified by the deputy chief registrar. In addition, the sureties are required to swear an affidavit of means. Malami was also directed to deposit his travel documents with the court and is barred from leaving the country without obtaining prior permission from the court.

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