The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will on Tuesday arraign former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on money laundering charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The anti-graft agency will also arraign Malami’s son, Abubakar Malami, and Bashir Asabe, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, a firm linked to the former minister.
Sixteen-count charge filed
According to court filings, the EFCC filed 16 counts against the defendants before trial judge Justice Emeka Nwite. The alleged offences involve suspicious financial transactions and property acquisitions across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi.
Malami has remained in EFCC custody since December 8. He is expected to attend the proceedings from detention.
Alleged laundering of billions
The EFCC accused the defendants of conspiring to conceal the unlawful origin of billions of naira through bank accounts and real estate purchases. The agency said the alleged offences occurred between 2015 and 2025.
The period covers Malami’s eight-year tenure as AGF under the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Details of alleged transactions
In several counts, the EFCC alleged that Malami and his son used corporate accounts to conceal funds exceeding ₦1 billion. The commission also accused them of using illicit funds as collateral for bank loans and to purchase luxury properties in highbrow areas of Abuja.
Other counts linked Malami, his son, and Asabe to property purchases in Maitama, Asokoro, Jabi, Garki, and Gwarimpa, as well as assets in Kebbi and Kano States.
Witnesses lined up
The EFCC plans to call witnesses including commission officials, bank representatives, Bureau de Change operators, and financial experts. Witnesses from Zenith Bank Plc and Sterling Bank Plc are also expected to testify.
The agency said the witnesses would explain how it traced intelligence reports, petitions, and financial flows linked to the alleged offences.
Properties worth over ₦212bn
Documents obtained by investigators reportedly linked Malami to 41 properties across Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano. The EFCC estimates the combined value of the assets at ₦212.89 billion.
The commission uncovered the properties during searches carried out on December 17 at Malami’s residences and offices in Abuja and Kebbi State.
Investigation continues
The EFCC said the arraignment forms part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial crimes involving the former AGF. The commission added that it would pursue the case in line with the law.
Read also: Ex-AGF Malami and Son Face 16 Charges Over Alleged ₦8bn Money Laundering
