Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — The high-profile trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN, is drawing national attention — not just for its legal ramifications, but for the pointed reactions it has elicited from political figures, including former Senator Dino Melaye.
On Tuesday, as Malami appeared alongside his son and a co-defendant in a Federal High Court in Abuja to face a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering involving several billion naira, Melaye took to his social media platform to reflect on his own past legal battles under the erstwhile attorney-general. His comments underscored the personal and political dimensions of the ongoing prosecution, and highlighted broader debates over the rule of law, political accountability and justice in Nigeria.
In a brief post, Melaye said the scene of Malami in court brought back memories of his own repeated court appearances when Malami held the nation’s top prosecutorial office. He described those past prosecutions as “frivolous” and at times politically motivated, citing instances where Malami’s office, as attorney-general, allegedly took over and intensified charges against him. Melaye concluded his remarks with a wish for Malami’s well-being.
The former senator’s reflection comes against the backdrop of dramatic developments in the Malami case. On Tuesday, the Federal High Court ordered that Malami be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre along with his son, Abdulaziz, and alleged accomplice Hajia Bashir Asabe. The court turned down an oral bail request by the defence and adjourned till January 2, 2026 for a formal hearing on bail applications.
Prosecutors from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) allege that Malami and his co-defendants laundered public funds in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended). The state is seeking to prove that the alleged illicit proceeds were used to acquire an array of high-value properties in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and other Nigerian cities.
The charges involving approximately ₦9 billion have turned a spotlight on Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework and the accountability of senior officials once entrusted with upholding the law. For critics and observers, the case sends a powerful message about the potential for checks and balances, even among the country’s former most powerful legal officers. It also highlights the weight that public perception and past grievances can carry in national discourse.
Melaye is no stranger to confronting legal institutions. His turbulent relationship with Malami dates back to when the latter was attorney-general; numerous prosecutions were launched against him for various offences, many of which Melaye and his supporters dismissed as politically motivated. Those experiences have colored the ex-senator’s view of the unfolding proceedings against his former adversary.
Reactions beyond Melaye’s have been varied. Other prominent figures have weighed in on the implications of the trial. Former deputy central bank governor Kingsley Moghalu and human rights advocate Chidi Odinkalu, writing separately on social media, framed the case as a cautionary tale about the transient nature of power and the enduring importance of integrity in public office. They expressed calls for fairness in process and for the principles of justice to be upheld impartially.
Malami’s legal team has advanced arguments challenging the handling of his detention and legal process. In recent statements, his camp accused the EFCC of ignoring earlier court orders granting bail and of engaging in what they described as heavy-handed tactics, including contentious raids on Malami’s properties. These claims point to a broader and heated contest over legal procedure and respect for judicial authority that could shape public sentiment around the case.
The government’s anti-graft agency, for its part, has maintained that the prosecution is lawful and necessary to address alleged abuses of public trust. EFCC officials have indicated that a range of witnesses, including bank representatives and currency operators, may be called upon as part of the state’s evidence to substantiate claims of financial impropriety.
The judicial process is still in its early stages. Legal analysts note that remand decisions in high-profile corruption cases are not uncommon in Nigeria, particularly where the alleged offences involve complex financial transactions and questions of flight risk. Observers also caution that public comments by political figures, such as Melaye, while drawing attention, do not shape the legal merits of the case but illustrate how deeply intertwined politics and justice remain in the national psyche.
For ordinary Nigerians, the Malami trial has sparked debate about governance, accountability and the application of the law. Many see the case as a test of Nigeria’s institutional resilience and its commitment to fight corruption irrespective of individuals’ past offices or connections. Others worry about potential politicisation of the judicial process and the implications for future governance.
Across Nigeria’s vibrant public sphere — from political columns to social media platforms — commentary ranges from calls for rigorous application of the law to concerns about the selective targeting of political figures. In this context, Melaye’s personal reflection adds a layer of historical resonance, underlining how the story of one prosecution has become a touchstone for discussions about fairness, retribution and political rivalry.
As the trial progresses into the new year with a scheduled bail hearing and continued court scrutiny, the nation’s attention is set to remain firmly fixed on the unfolding legal drama. Whatever the outcome, the case of Abubakar Malami — and the reaction it has generated from figures like Dino Melaye — will likely be referenced in debates about justice and governance in Nigeria for years to come.
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