The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his son Abdulaziz Malami and one of his associates, Bashir Asabe, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of their bail application.
The remand order was issued on Tuesday by Justice Emeka Nwite following legal arguments from both the defence and prosecution.
Malami’s legal team, led by Joseph Daudu (SAN), presented arguments seeking bail, while the prosecution, represented by Ekele Iheneacho (SAN), of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), opposed the application.
The trio faces a 16-count charge of money laundering and financial crimes brought by the EFCC. According to the commission, the defendants allegedly engaged in multiple schemes to conceal, retain, and disguise proceeds from unlawful activities over several years, involving amounts running into billions of naira.
The allegations included the use of companies and bank accounts to launder funds, retention of cash as collateral for loans, and acquisition of high-value properties across Abuja, Kano, and other locations. Notably, some of the alleged offences reportedly occurred while Malami was serving as the Attorney-General, an office he held as the nation’s chief law officer.
The EFCC charges cite violations of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, as amended, as well as the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. The commission contends that the offences were committed with the intent to convert illicit funds into assets that could appear legitimate, in direct contravention of Nigerian anti-money laundering laws.
During the court session, Malami, his son, and Asabe pleaded not guilty to all sixteen counts.
Justice Nwite subsequently reserved ruling on their bail application, a decision which will determine whether they will await trial from custody or under bail conditions.
The Federal High Court is expected to deliver its ruling on the bail application later today. Until then, Malami, his son, and Asabe remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre. The outcome will determine whether they will continue to face trial from prison or under judicial supervision.
As the case develops, the EFCC has reiterated its commitment to prosecuting financial crimes without fear or favour, emphasising the importance of deterring illicit activities that undermine Nigeria’s economy and public trust in government institutions.
