malami in court.webp
The Digest:

Abubakar Malami, Nigeria's ex-Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, has entered a plea of not guilty to a 16-count charge of money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Key Points:
  • Malami was arraigned alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his fourth wife, Bashir Asabe.
  • All three defendants pleaded not guilty before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
  • The EFCC alleges conspiracy to conceal and disguise proceeds of unlawful activities worth billions of naira.
  • The charges span several years and involve the use of companies and bank accounts to launder funds.
  • Part of the alleged offences occurred while Malami served as the nation's chief law officer.
  • The commission claims funds were used to acquire high-value properties in Abuja and Kano.
  • The case is based on breaches of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
This case places the legal system under scrutiny, as a former guardian of the law faces a formidable test of accountability and transparency.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard