Abubakar-Malami
By Iyunade Grace
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and co-defendant Hajia Bashir Asabe in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their bail application. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed 16 charges against them, alleging money laundering involving funds of unlawful origin exceeding ₦1.014 billion.
The charges include concealing ₦1.014 billion and ₦600 million through Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited and Sterling Bank accounts, disguising the unlawful origin of ₦500 million used to acquire luxury property in Maitama, Abuja, and conspiracy to launder ₦1.049 billion via Meethaq Hotels Ltd accounts in Union Bank. The EFCC claims the defendants committed the offences between 2019 and 2023.
Malami, who served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023, has denied corruption allegations linked to his tenure. The EFCC has also traced 41 properties valued at approximately ₦212.89 billion to Malami and his son. The anti-graft agency had previously investigated Malami over alleged abuse of office and money laundering.
The court ruled that it would be unfair to grant bail without allowing the prosecution to respond to the bail application. The case has been adjourned until January 2 for the hearing of the bail application. Malami’s lawyer, Adekunle Adeleke, had sought bail on grounds of health conditions and assurance to attend trial.
The remand of Malami, a former top government official, underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption. The EFCC has intensified probes into alleged corruption cases involving former officials. Malami’s case has sparked public interest and debate about accountability and transparency in government.
The outcome of the case is awaited, with implications for Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive. The EFCC has vowed to pursue the case vigorously. Malami’s legal team maintains his innocence and looks forward to clearing his name.
