Premium News Naija- Crimes
All has not been heard of Abubakar Malami's money laundering case.
Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has re-arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his wife, Asabe Bashir, and their son, Abdulaziz Malami, over alleged involvement in a multi-billion naira money laundering case.
The trio appeared before the Federal High Court Abuja on Friday, February 27, 2026, where they faced a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, concealment, and laundering of alleged unlawful proceeds estimated at ₦8.7 billion.
Fresh Charges and Not Guilty Pleas
During proceedings, the prosecution informed the court of amendments to parts of the charge sheet, correcting certain financial figures previously listed in error. The court granted the application without objection from the defence.
Upon the reading of the amended charges, Malami, his wife, and their son each pleaded not guilty to all 16 counts.
The allegations include the procurement, transfer, and concealment of funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, in violation of Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
Bail Revoked, Defendants Remanded
Because the matter was reassigned to a new judge, the court ruled that earlier bail conditions granted by a previous court no longer stood. The defendants were directed to file fresh bail applications before the court.
- Abubakar Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, were remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
- Asabe Bashir was remanded at the Suleja Medium Correctional Centre in Niger State.
The case was adjourned to March 6, 2026, for the hearing of the bail applications and continuation of proceedings.
Background of the Case
The case was initially filed in late 2025. Due to judicial reassignment, the defendants were required to take their pleas again before the new trial judge.
According to the prosecution, the alleged funds were routed through corporate entities and financial channels between 2022 and 2025. The EFCC investigation maintains that the transactions form part of a broader probe into suspected financial misconduct.
Implications for Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Drive
The re-arraignment of a former top government official and his family marks another major test of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. Legal analysts say the case could shape future judicial interpretation of money laundering statutes and reinforce enforcement under Nigeria’s financial crime laws.
As proceedings continue, public attention will focus on the court’s decision regarding bail and the evidentiary phase of the trial.
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EFCC | Abubakar Malami | Money Laundering | Federal High Court | Anti-Corruption | Nigerian Judiciary
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