In a significant development, a Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in Kuje Correctional Centre. The order was issued by Justice Emeka Nwite following Malami's arraignment on charges of money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Court Denies Oral Bail, Sets Date for Formal Application
Justice Nwite declined an oral bail application presented by Malami's lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). The judge ruled that granting the oral request would constitute an "ambush" on the EFCC, the prosecuting agency. He noted that a written bail application had already been filed and served on the anti-graft commission late on Monday, December 30, 2025.
The court emphasized that the interest of justice requires allowing the EFCC to formally respond to the written application. Justice Nwite stated that denying the EFCC this opportunity would amount to a denial of fair hearing. Consequently, the former AGF is to remain in custody until Wednesday, January 2, 2026, when the court will hear arguments on the formal bail request.
Details of the Charges and Plea
Malami was arraigned alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Asabe Bashir. They face a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy and the concealment of proceeds from unlawful activities. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between November 2015 and June 2025.
The charges specifically relate to the laundering of approximately N12 billion. During the arraignment, all three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges read before the court. Malami, who served as the nation's chief law officer under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been in EFCC custody since December 8, 2025.
Next Steps and Implications
The remand order marks a pivotal moment in the high-profile case, underscoring the judiciary's stance on procedural fairness for both the prosecution and the defence. The coming bail hearing on January 2 will be closely watched, as it will determine whether Malami and his co-defendants will await trial from home or remain behind bars.
This case represents one of the most significant prosecutions of a former high-ranking official by the EFCC in recent years, testing the agency's resolve in tackling grand corruption at the highest levels of government.
