Amanze Chinonye
A Federal High Court in Abuja has denied bail to a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, ordering their remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their bail application on January 2, 2026.
Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, shortly after the trio were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering involving alleged proceeds of unlawful activities totaling N8.7 billion.
The defendants had pleaded not guilty to all the charges read to them.
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Following their arraignment, defence counsel, J. B. Daudu, SAN, made an oral application for bail, arguing that the alleged offences were bailable and urging the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the defendants.
However, prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, opposed the oral application and requested time to formally respond to the bail motion already filed by the defence.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite declined to grant bail at the stage, holding that the prosecution should be given adequate opportunity to respond to the bail application in the interest of justice.
The judge consequently ordered that Malami, his wife and son be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service at the Kuje facility and adjourned the matter to January 2, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application.
The EFCC alleges that the defendants conspired to procure, disguise, conceal and launder proceeds of unlawful activities through several corporate accounts, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The case is expected to resume in the new year.
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.
