Amanze Chinonye
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday warned lawyers and litigants in the ongoing trial of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to desist from approaching him for favours, stressing that the law would not be bent under any circumstance.
The judge issued the stern warning during proceedings in the case involving Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, who are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged money laundering offences.
“I want to admonish and warn counsels and litigants that they should know the type of court they are appearing before. All judges are not the same,” Justice Nwite said.
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He added that familiarity with counsel or parties would not influence his conduct on the bench, warning that any attempt to compromise the integrity of the court would be firmly resisted.
“Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing with any case, do not approach me. The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned. Any attempt to tarnish my name will be resisted and dealt with,” the judge declared.
The EFCC is prosecuting the defendants over alleged money laundering involving a total sum of ₦8,713,923,759.49. They were docked 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.
According to the charge, Malami and his son allegedly procured Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited between July 2022 and June 2025 to conceal the unlawful origin of ₦1,014,848,500 lodged in a Sterling Bank account, funds the prosecution says were proceeds of unlawful activities.
Another count alleges that Malami, his son and his wife conspired in September 2024 to disguise the origin of ₦1,049,173,926.13 paid through the Union Bank account of Meethaq Hotels Limited, Jabi, between November 2022 and September 2024.
The EFCC further alleged that Malami and his son indirectly took control of ₦1,362,887,872.96 paid through the Union Bank savings account of Meethaq Hotels Limited between November 2022 and October 2025, knowing or reasonably expected to know that the funds were illicit.
Earlier in the proceedings, Justice Nwite granted Malami, his wife and their son bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties are required to depose to affidavits of means.
The trial continues on January 27, 2026, for a report of compliance.
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.
