Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz Malami, over allegations of money laundering and financial misconduct.
The defendants were brought before Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday following the reassignment of the case to a new trial judge. The re-arraignment marks a procedural restart before the newly designated court after earlier proceedings under a different judge.
At the resumed session, Jibrin Okutepa, counsel to the EFCC, informed the court that the matter was appearing for the first time before Justice Abdulmalik and requested that the pleas of the defendants be taken afresh. The court subsequently proceeded with the formal reading of charges in line with criminal procedure.
Stone Reporters note that the charges stem from an ongoing investigation into alleged financial transactions said to have occurred during Malami’s tenure as attorney-general under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Prosecutors allege that substantial sums were moved through accounts linked to the defendants in a manner inconsistent with lawful earnings.
While full details of the charge sheet were not publicly elaborated during the brief court sitting, previous filings indicate that the EFCC is pursuing counts related to money laundering, conspiracy, and unlawful enrichment under relevant provisions of Nigeria’s anti-corruption statutes. The commission contends that the alleged transactions involve funds traced to questionable sources and routed through family-linked accounts.
Counsel to the defendants are expected to challenge the evidentiary basis of the prosecution’s case as trial proceedings advance. Legal representatives have previously denied wrongdoing on behalf of their clients, maintaining that all financial dealings were legitimate and verifiable.
Stone Reporters note that re-arraignment following reassignment of a case is a standard judicial process in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. When a matter is transferred to a new judge, fresh pleas are typically taken to ensure procedural compliance and preserve the rights of the accused.
The EFCC has intensified prosecution of high-profile public officials in recent years as part of broader anti-corruption efforts. Malami served as Nigeria’s chief law officer between 2015 and 2023, overseeing federal prosecutions, advisory functions to the executive, and high-profile legal disputes involving government agencies.
The case has attracted significant public attention due to Malami’s former position at the apex of Nigeria’s justice administration. As attorney-general, he supervised prosecutorial policy and legal reforms, making the current allegations politically and institutionally sensitive.
Observers in legal circles suggest that the prosecution will hinge on forensic financial analysis, documentary trails, and potential witness testimony establishing the origin and movement of the funds in question. Defence counsel are expected to scrutinise the investigative methodology and admissibility of documentary evidence.
Stone Reporters note that anti-corruption trials involving former senior officials often extend over lengthy periods due to procedural applications, interlocutory appeals, and evidentiary disputes. The pace of proceedings may therefore depend on pre-trial motions and judicial scheduling.
At the close of the session, the court adjourned the matter to a later date for continuation of trial processes. Bail conditions previously granted are understood to remain in effect, pending further judicial determination.
The development adds to a growing docket of politically exposed persons facing prosecution before federal courts, underscoring ongoing tensions between accountability enforcement and the legal defence rights of former officeholders.
As the case proceeds under Justice Abdulmalik’s supervision, both prosecution and defence teams are expected to outline their substantive arguments in detail during subsequent hearings.
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