Dino Melaye Reacts as Court Orders Former AGF Malami Remanded Over Alleged ₦9bn Money Laundering Case

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has weighed in on the unfolding legal battle involving former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, drawing parallels between the case and his own encounters with the justice system during Malami’s time in office.

In a post shared on his X handle on Tuesday, Melaye reflected on what he described as repeated court appearances while Malami served as the nation’s chief law officer.

He recalled being subjected to multiple prosecutions, which he maintained were baseless, noting that some of the cases were even taken over by the federal authorities under Malami’s supervision.

Reacting to Malami’s appearance in court alongside his son, Melaye said the development brought back memories of his own legal ordeals, adding that he nonetheless wished the former minister well despite their past differences.

Melaye’s comments came as the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered Malami to be remanded in custody over allegations of financial crimes.

The court directed that the former attorney-general be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre together with his son, Abdulaziz, and an alleged accomplice, Hajia Bashir Asabe, pending the consideration of their applications for bail.

The ruling was delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, who declined an oral request for bail submitted by the defence team led by J. B. Daudu, SAN. The judge held that the application could not be entertained until the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission formally responded, noting that the anti-graft agency was entitled to file a counter-affidavit opposing bail. Justice Nwite subsequently fixed January 2, 2026, for the hearing and determination of the bail applications.

Malami and his co-defendants are standing trial on a 16-count charge relating to alleged money laundering involving approximately ₦9 billion. The EFCC accused them of unlawfully handling public funds in breach of provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended, offences which carry stiff penalties under the law.

Prosecutors further alleged that the former justice minister channelled the proceeds of the purported illicit transactions into the purchase of luxury properties located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and several other parts of the country.