Malami Returns to Court as EFCC Pursues ₦8.7bn Money Laundering Case

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), on Tuesday appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja as proceedings resumed in the ₦8.7 billion money laundering case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Malami is standing trial alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, over allegations bordering on money laundering and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities.

The case, which was adjourned by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on May 22, 2026, came up again on June 23 for the continuation of hearing.

According to the EFCC, the defendants are facing a 16-count charge involving conspiracy, procurement, disguise, concealment, and laundering of funds amounting to ₦8,713,923,759.49. The anti-graft agency alleges that the funds represent proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

At the previous court session, lead prosecution counsel, J.S. Okutepa (SAN), informed the court that the matter had been scheduled for hearing but that the defence had submitted a request seeking an adjournment.

Okutepa disclosed that the prosecution received a letter dated May 20, 2026, from the law firm of J.B. Daudu & Co., addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court, requesting that the matter be postponed.

While noting that the prosecution had grounds to oppose the application, Okutepa said the EFCC opted not to challenge the request in order to avoid delaying the proceedings further.

He, however, urged the court to take into consideration the number of adjournments previously sought by the defence team as the trial progresses.