The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing N8.7 billion alleged money laundering case involving former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, his wife Hajiya Asabe Bashir Malami, and their son Abdulaziz Malami, until June 23, 2026, for continuation of trial proceedings.
The case, which is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), resumed before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Friday, May 22, 2026. According to court proceedings, the trial could not continue after the defence team requested an adjournment due to the absence of lead counsel, Chief Joseph Daudu (SAN).
The EFCC is prosecuting Malami, his wife, and son on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy, concealment, laundering, and disguising of proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to N8,713,923,759.49. The anti-graft agency alleges that the funds were moved through multiple transactions and financial channels in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
During Friday’s sitting, prosecution counsel J.S. Okutepa (SAN) informed the court that the matter had been scheduled for continuation of hearing, but the prosecution had received a formal request for adjournment from the defence. Okutepa told the court that although the prosecution had initially considered opposing the application, it decided against doing so to avoid stalling the judicial process.
The prosecution, however, urged the court to take note of what it described as repeated requests for adjournment by the defendants. Okutepa reportedly reminded the court that the defendants had already sought previous adjournments and argued that the absence of one counsel should not ordinarily halt proceedings, especially considering the number of lawyers attached to the defence chambers.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently granted the application and adjourned the matter to June 23, 2026, for continuation of trial.
The case against Malami and his family has attracted nationwide attention due to the former minister’s influential role in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Malami served as Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from 2015 until the end of Buhari’s administration in 2023. During his tenure, he was one of the most powerful legal figures in the country and oversaw major federal prosecutions, anti-corruption policies, and constitutional matters.
The current charges stem from investigations initiated by the EFCC into alleged suspicious financial transactions linked to the former attorney general and members of his family. The commission alleges that large sums of money were moved and concealed through various accounts and entities over a period of time. The defendants have denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The trial initially began after the EFCC formally arraigned Malami, his wife, and son before the Federal High Court in Abuja in late 2025. At the time, the anti-corruption agency accused the defendants of engaging in unlawful financial activities involving billions of naira allegedly traced to illicit transactions.
Since the arraignment, the matter has witnessed several procedural developments, including bail applications, legal arguments, and the presentation of preliminary evidence by the prosecution. Court records and previous proceedings also indicated that exhibits had already been tendered in the case as part of the prosecution’s efforts to establish the alleged financial trail connected to the accused persons.
The adjournment comes amid increasing public scrutiny of corruption-related prosecutions involving former public office holders in Nigeria. Several former senior government officials from previous administrations are currently facing various corruption and financial crime investigations before Nigerian courts. Analysts say the Malami case is among the most closely watched because of the former minister’s previous role as the nation’s chief law officer.
Malami has consistently maintained his innocence regarding corruption allegations raised against him over the years. In previous public statements, he insisted that his wealth and investments were acquired legitimately through business activities and investments predating his appointment into public office.
The former attorney general has also faced other controversies and allegations during and after his time in office, including public criticism over anti-corruption prosecutions, recovered assets management, and alleged interference in certain investigations. However, some past allegations against him either did not proceed to conviction or were disputed by his legal team.
Friday’s proceedings lasted briefly as lawyers from both sides addressed the court over the adjournment request. Observers present in court noted that the defendants were in attendance despite the absence of the lead defence counsel.
The Federal High Court is expected to resume hearing in the matter on June 23, when the prosecution is anticipated to continue presenting witnesses and evidence in support of the charges filed by the EFCC.
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