The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, February 27, 2026, ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son Abdulaziz Malami, and one of his wives, Hajia Bashir Asabe, in prison custody pending the hearing of their bail applications.
Trial Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the remand order after the trio were re-arraigned on a fresh 16-count charge of money laundering preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The defendants are alleged to have laundered public funds totaling approximately ₦9 billion between 2020 and 2025.
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The court directed that they remain in custody until March 6, 2026, when their bail applications will be heard.
Court Proceedings The defendants pleaded not guilty to all 16 counts when the charge was read to them. Their lead counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the court to allow them to continue on the bail earlier granted by Justice Emeka Nwite (who initially presided over the matter as vacation judge).
Daudu drew the court’s attention to the perfected bail conditions and argued that the defendants should not be returned to custody. EFCC counsel Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) confirmed that the bail conditions had indeed been met.
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However, Justice Abdulmalik held that the case had started de novo (afresh) before her following the reassignment. She ruled that all previous proceedings under Justice Nwite had legally terminated, and the defendants must file fresh bail applications.
Spirited efforts by the defence to persuade the court to entertain oral bail applications failed. The judge insisted on formal written applications.
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Allegations in the 16-Count Charge The EFCC accused Malami (who served as Justice Minister from November 11, 2015, to May 29, 2023, under former President Muhammadu Buhari) of concealing proceeds of crime through the acquisition of choice properties in Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano.
Specific allegations include: Using Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal over ₦1.01 billion in a Sterling Bank account between July 2022 and June 2025.
Siphoning about ₦600 million through the same company between September 2020 and February 2021.
Retaining ₦600 million in March 2021 as cash collateral for a ₦500 million loan obtained by Rayhaan Hotels Ltd from Sterling Bank, knowing the funds were proceeds of crime.
The defendants are alleged to have breached several provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.
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Other Ongoing Cases Malami is also facing a separate five-count charge of terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against him and his son. He was previously arrested and detained by the DSS shortly after perfecting bail in the EFCC case and being released from prison custody.
Malami’s Response Malami has consistently denied all allegations, describing them as politically motivated and aimed at silencing his criticism of the current administration. His legal team has filed multiple challenges, including fundamental rights enforcement suits.
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The case has become one of the most closely watched corruption trials involving a former senior government official.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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