Court Orders Malami, Son to Remain in Custody as EFCC Pushes Back on Bail
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, following his arraignment on multiple money laundering charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Emeka Nwite directed that Malami be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and a co-defendant, Hajia Bashir Asabe, pending the hearing of their bail application scheduled for January 2, 2026.
The decision came after the court declined an oral application for bail made by the defence team, led by J.B. Daudu, SAN. Justice Nwike held that the application was premature, noting that the prosecution must first be allowed to respond formally.
He consequently upheld the EFCC’s objection and insisted on a counter-affidavit before the issue of bail could be determined.
The anti-graft agency accused the defendants of laundering public funds estimated at about N9 billion, in alleged violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
According to the EFCC, the offences span several years and involved the use of corporate entities and financial institutions to conceal the origin of illicit funds.
Prosecutors alleged that between July 2022 and June 2025, the defendants used a company, Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, to hide over N1.01 billion in a Sterling Bank account.
The EFCC further claimed that the same firm was used to channel about N600 million between September 2020 and February 2021.
In another allegation, the commission told the court that in March 2021, the defendants retained N600 million as cash collateral for a N500 million loan secured by Rayhaan Hotels Limited from Sterling Bank, despite allegedly knowing that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.
The charge also accused Malami of acquiring high-value properties in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and other locations with funds suspected to have been illegally sourced.
One of the counts alleged that N500 million was paid for a luxury duplex in Maitama, Abuja, through indirect means to disguise the origin of the money.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charge, which cites offences under both the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
With the remand order, the court adjourned further proceedings to January 2, 2026, when it is expected to hear and determine the formal bail applications after the EFCC files its response.
