Court Further Remands Malami, Son and Wife in Kuje Correctional Centre, Sets Bail Hearing Date
ABUJA, NIGERIA — A Federal High Court in Abuja has further remanded former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe, at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending a ruling on their bail application in a high-profile money laundering case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The trio is facing a 16-count charge alleging the laundering of approximately ₦8.7 billion, related to financial transactions and acquisitions the EFCC says occurred largely during Malami’s tenure as attorney-general. The charge sheet, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, accuses the defendants of conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Malami, his son and his wife pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were arraigned on December 29, 2025. During proceedings on January 2, 2026, the prosecution and defence presented arguments on the bail application, but Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that they remain in custody at Kuje Prison until the court delivers a decision on the matter.
The judge adjourned the case and set January 7, 2026, for the ruling on the bail applications, providing time for both sides to fully present their submissions and for the prosecution to respond to the defence’s petition.
Legal representatives for Malami argued that the offences for which he and the co-defendants are charged are bailable, and emphasised the constitutional presumption of innocence. Meanwhile, the EFCC maintained that the nature and volume of the alleged offences warrant close judicial deliberation before any bail decision is granted.
The former AGF’s continued detention comes amid escalating scrutiny of Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive, with this case marking one of the most closely watched prosecutions involving a former senior federal official. Prosecutors have alleged that corporate entities and bank accounts were used to launder funds and acquire multiple high-value properties in Abuja and other cities, part of a sprawling investigation that EFCC says spans several years.
As the matter progresses, all eyes are on the court’s January 7 proceedings, which will determine whether Malami and his co-defendants will be granted bail while the substantive trial continues.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments