A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a crucial ruling on the bail applications of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, his wife, and his son for January 7, 2026.
Judge Fixes Date After Legal Arguments
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja set the date this Friday after hearing arguments from both legal teams. The defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, and the prosecution lawyer for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, presented their respective cases for and against granting bail to the defendants.
The court session followed the arraignment of the former minister, who appeared in court over allegations of money laundering. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, names Malami as the first defendant, his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe as the second, and his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami as the third defendant.
Details of the EFCC's Allegations
The anti-graft agency has levelled serious accusations against the trio. The EFCC alleges they engaged in a series of suspicious financial transactions and attempted to conceal the illicit origin of billions of naira. The commission claims the funds were moved through various bank accounts and used for property acquisitions in multiple states.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2015 and 2025, a period that fully encompasses Malami's eight-year tenure as the nation's chief law officer under former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.
Specific Charges Under Money Laundering Acts
According to the charge sheet, the defendants are accused of conspiring to disguise the origin of funds, acquire property indirectly, and retain sums they allegedly knew were proceeds of unlawful activity. These acts, the EFCC contends, violate the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022.
The prosecution's case details that the alleged money laundering activities involved properties and financial operations spread across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi State. The upcoming ruling on January 7 will determine whether Malami, his wife, and son will be released on bail pending the full trial or remain in EFCC custody.
This case continues to draw significant public attention, highlighting the ongoing efforts of Nigeria's anti-corruption agencies to investigate and prosecute high-profile financial crimes, even involving former top government officials.
