The Federal High Court in Abuja has further remanded former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, and his wife, Bashir Asabe, at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Friday after hearing arguments from both the defence and the prosecution. The court said it would rule on their bail applications on January 7, 2026.
EFCC Prosecutes Malami Over Money Laundering
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the defendants in a case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025. The commission listed Malami, his wife, and his son as the first, second, and third defendants.
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly carried out suspicious financial transactions and attempted to conceal the unlawful origin of funds. The commission said the alleged transactions involved bank accounts and property acquisitions in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi.
Alleged Offences Span Malami’s Tenure as AGF
The anti-graft agency said the alleged offences occurred between 2015 and 2025, a period that includes Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Prosecutors alleged that the defendants conspired to disguise proceeds of crime, acquire property indirectly, and retain funds they allegedly knew were illicit. The charges fall under the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 and 2022.
Court Hears Bail Arguments
During proceedings, defence counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN) urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms. He asked the court to admit Malami on self-recognisance, while seeking bail for the second and third defendants.
However, prosecution counsel Ekele Iheanacho (SAN) requested time to study additional affidavits filed by the defence. After hearing both sides, the court adjourned the matter to January 7 for ruling.
EFCC Alleges ₦8.7bn Laundering Scheme
The EFCC said it is prosecuting the defendants over alleged money laundering offences amounting to ₦8.7 billion. The commission docked them on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, concealment, procurement, and laundering of proceeds of unlawful activities.
The court ordered that the defendants remain in custody pending its decision on their bail applications.
