Court Remands Ex-AGF Malami, Wife, and Son in Custody Over Money Laundering Charges

Court Remands Ex-AGF Malami, Wife, and Son in Custody Over Money Laundering Charges

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his wife Asabe Bashir, and son Abdulaziz before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 16-count charge of money laundering.The defendants appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik following the reassignment of the case, after previous judges recused themselves or the proceedings were terminated.During the session, prosecution counsel Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) informed the court that the matter was appearing for the first time under the new judge and requested that the defendants' pleas be taken. Malami, his wife, and son each pleaded not guilty to all counts.Counsel for the defendants, Joseph Daudu (SAN), reminded the court of the bail granted on January 7 by Justice Emeka Nwite of the same court, which had been perfected by the defendants. He urged the court to adopt the same bail conditions, arguing that the Federal High Court is a unified entity nationwide and that doing so would serve the interest of justice.Although Okutepa confirmed the prior bail grant and its perfection, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the earlier proceedings before Justice Nwite had been legally terminated. She held that fresh bail applications must be filed.Consequently, the court ordered Malami and his son remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, while his wife was remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State.The judge adjourned the matter to March 6, 2026, for the hearing of the new bail applications.The EFCC alleges that the defendants laundered approximately N8.7 billion in proceeds of unlawful activity, including through property acquisitions and corporate entities, spanning periods when Malami was in office and beyond. The case, initially filed in late 2025, has faced multiple judicial reassignments amid ongoing anti-corruption efforts.  

Source: Court Remands Ex-AGF Malami, Wife, and Son in Custody Over Money Laundering Charges

 - NigerianEye
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