Amanze Chinonye
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, arraigned a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over alleged money laundering offences amounting to N8.71 billion, Prime Business Africa reports.
The defendants were docked before Justice Emeka Nwite on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
At the commencement of proceedings, prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, told the court that the matter was slated for arraignment. He prayed the court to direct that the charge, dated December 23, 2025, be read to the defendants and their pleas taken.
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Counsel to the defendants, J. B. Daudu, SAN, raised no objection, prompting Justice Nwite to order that the charge be read in open court.
In one of the counts, the EFCC alleged that Malami and his son, between July 2022 and June 2025 in Abuja, procured Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal the unlawful origin of N1.01 billion lodged in a Sterling Bank Plc account, knowing or having reasonable grounds to know that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.
Another count alleged that Malami, his son and his wife, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, conspired in September 2024 to disguise the unlawful origin of N1.05 billion paid through the Union Bank Plc account of Meethaq Hotels Limited, Jabi, between November 2022 and September 2024.
The EFCC further accused Malami and his son of indirectly taking control of N1.36 billion paid through the Union Bank Plc savings account of Meethaq Hotels Limited between November 2022 and October 2025, allegedly knowing that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.
Following the taking of pleas, Iheanacho informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed to trial and requested a trial date. He also disclosed that the defence had served the prosecution with a bail application a day earlier and sought time to respond.
Responding, defence counsel, Daudu, SAN, urged the court to grant bail to the defendants orally, arguing that the offences were bailable.
“My Lord, having listened carefully to the 16-count charge, this is a proper case for an oral application for bail,” Daudu submitted, citing Abiola v. FRN. He added that Section 216 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) does not require that bail applications must be made in writing.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter for ruling on the bail application and for the commencement of trial.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
