malami in court.webp
The Digest:

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled January 7 to rule on the bail application of former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son Abdulaziz, and wife Bashir Asabe, who are charged with laundering ₦8.7 billion. The trio, currently remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count EFCC charge.

Key Points:
  • Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the bail ruling after hearing arguments from the defence and prosecution.
  • The defendants were arraigned on December 29, 2025, and remanded until their bail application could be heard.
  • The EFCC alleges the money was concealed through corporate entities, multiple bank accounts, and luxury real estate.
  • Properties listed include a ₦500 million duplex in Maitama and acquisitions in Asokoro, Jabi, and Gwarimpa.
  • Malami’s son is accused of using Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to hide over ₦1 billion in a Sterling Bank account.
  • The alleged offences span from 2015 to 2025, covering much of Malami's tenure as AGF.
  • The EFCC contends the acts violate the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
The high-profile case underscores a significant legal storm, testing the accountability of former top officials and the reach of anti-graft enforcement within Nigeria’s power structures.

Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, Daily Trust