An Abuja Federal High Court has directed the detention of former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami alongside two co-accused in connection with alleged money laundering charges exceeding ₦1 billion.
An Abuja Federal High Court has ordered the detention of Nigeria’s former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and business associate Asabe Bashir following their arraignment on money laundering allegations totaling over ₦1.014 billion.
Justice Emeka Nwite ruled on Monday that the former minister and his son should be held at Kuje Correctional Centre, while Bashir will remain at Suleja Correctional Centre until a bail hearing scheduled for January 2, 2026.
The remand order came after senior counsel Joseph Daudu requested oral bail on behalf of the accused, who face a 16-count indictment alleging money laundering, concealment of illegal proceeds, and improper asset acquisition.
Justice Nwite determined that the defense could not simultaneously pursue both oral and written bail requests, noting that doing so would compromise procedural fairness.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s lead counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, told the court he received a written bail application from Malami’s legal team late Monday evening around 8:00 p.m. and requested additional time to review the submission and prepare a formal response.
The judge granted the adjournment to allow prosecutors adequate preparation time before the bail arguments commence in January. All three defendants entered not guilty pleas to the charges.
According to prosecution documents, the accused allegedly processed, moved, and obscured funds believed to derive from criminal activity. Anti-corruption investigators traced ₦1.014 billion through a Sterling Bank account connected to the disputed transactions.
The EFCC further claims Malami used laundered money to purchase high-end properties across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and additional Nigerian states, with investigators linking approximately ₦212.8 billion in assets to him and his associates.
Malami held the position of Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice throughout former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year administration.
Proceedings will continue when the court reconvenes in January to consider the bail applications.
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