Alleged N8.7bn Fraud: Court Remands Malami, Wife, Son After Fresh Arraignment

 

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his wife and son, following their re-arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N8.7 billion money-laundering case.

Trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, directed that Malami and his son, Abdulazeez Malami, be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, while his wife, Hajia Asabe Bashir, was ordered to be held at the Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State.

The order was made after the three defendants pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering filed against them by the anti-graft agency.

Following the plea, defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the court to retain the earlier bail granted to the defendants on January 7 by Justice Emeka Nwite of the same court, arguing that the Federal High Court operates as a single judicial entity.

However, EFCC counsel, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), confirmed that although bail had previously been granted and perfected, the earlier proceedings had been terminated.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik held that the previous case having been legally discontinued, fresh bail applications must be filed. She consequently rejected an oral bail application by the defence and adjourned the matter until March 6 for hearing of bail applications and commencement of trial.

According to the EFCC, Malami and his son allegedly procured Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited between July 2022 and June 2025 to conceal the unlawful origin of N1.014 billion lodged in a Sterling Bank account, funds the commission claims were proceeds of illegal activities.

The anti-graft agency further alleged that the defendants conspired in September 2024 to disguise the origin of N1.049 billion routed through the Union Bank account of Meethaq Hotels Limited, Jabi, Abuja.

In another count, the prosecution claimed that Malami and his son indirectly took control of N1.362 billion paid into the same company’s account between November 2022 and October 2025, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful acts.

The charges were said to contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

It will be recalled that Justice Nwite had earlier granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500 million each with two sureties in like sum, who must possess landed properties in Maitama, Asokoro or Gwarimpa districts of Abuja.

Other conditions included the deposit of travel documents with the court and restriction from travelling outside the country without judicial approval.

The court adjourned proceedings to March 6 for determination of fresh bail applications and continuation of trial.