A Federal High Court in Abuja took decisive action on December 30, 2025. Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the remand of former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife Bashir Asabe. Authorities will hold them at Kuje Correctional Centre until the court hears their bail application.
The judge made this ruling after hearing arguments from both sides. Defense lawyer Joseph Daudu argued for bail. However prosecution counsel Ekele Iheneacho opposed it strongly.
Description of the 16-Count Charges
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission charged the trio. They charged them with 16 counts of money laundering. The accused allegedly conspired to conceal and employillegal funds in excess of N8.7b.
For instance, they concealed money worth N1.014 billion through Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited in a Sterling Bank account from July 2022 to June 2025. Moreover the group also kept N600 million as collateral for a loan to support Rayhaan Hotels Ltd. They were aware that the money was from illegal sources.
Potential Implications
The case highlights the anti-corruption efforts of the Nigerian Government. It brings out the fact that high-ranking persons are not immune from accountability. Thus, the trust in the judicial system might increase.
The charges also cover indirect control of N1.36 billion through Meethaq Hotels Ltd’s Union Bank account. Bashir Asabe, linked to Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, helped acquire luxury properties. These include a duplex in Maitama and homes in Asokoro and Garki.
Background of the Case
Abubakar Malami served as Attorney General from 2015 to 2023 under President Muhammadu Buhari. During this time, the alleged offences occurred mainly in Abuja. The EFCC began investigating after reports of suspicious transactions.
Earlier, courts rejected Malami’s bail requests. On December 18, an FCT High Court upheld his detention by the EFCC. Then, on December 24, the commission filed the formal charges. This led to the arraignment and remand order.
The prosecutors may choose to present witnesses such as bank managers. They seek to establish the use of proxies and corporations to conceal ownership.
Potential Implications
The case highlights the anti-corruption efforts of the Nigerian Government. It brings out the fact that high ranking persons are not immune from accountability. Thus the trust in the judicial system might increase.
On the other hand, the defendants claim they are innocent. The defense attorneys begin preparing for the bail hearing. The public is closely following the proceedings of the case.
This remand is an important development in the case. This is because the remand will ensure that the suspects are available to face justice. Society is waiting for justice to be served in this case that is full of high stakes.
