In a dramatic courtroom session in the nation's capital, a Federal High Court judge has issued a strong admonition to lawyers representing former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN). Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 7, explicitly warned counsel involved in the high-profile Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) case to refrain from approaching him for any form of favour.
A Stern Judicial Warning
The judge's firm caution was captured in a statement released on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the EFCC. Justice Nwite emphasised that his perceived leniency should not be misinterpreted as an opportunity for improper conduct. He addressed the courtroom, delivering a message intended for all legal practitioners and litigants appearing before him.
Justice Nwite declared: "I want to admonish and warn counsels and litigants that they should know the type of court they are appearing before. All judges are not the same. Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing with any case, do not approach me. The best you can do for your clients is to get the best lawyers in this country. The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned."
He concluded his warning with a clear and repeated message: "So, I want to warn each and every litigant and lawyer appearing before this court that they should understand the way this court works. Please, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Any attempt to tarnish my name will be resisted and dealt with. I warned, I warned, and I warned."
The N8.7 Billion Money Laundering Charges
The backdrop to this judicial rebuke is a serious N8,713,923,759 money laundering case being prosecuted by the EFCC. The defendants in the case are the former AGF and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, his wife, Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami.
The anti-graft agency has slammed the trio with a 16-count charge. The charges border on:
- Conspiracy
- Procuring
- Disguising
- Concealing
- Laundering the proceeds of alleged unlawful activities
Bail Conditions and Trial Developments
In the same sitting, Justice Nwite granted bail to Malami and his family members. The bail was, however, granted under strict conditions. Each defendant was granted bail in the sum of N500,000,000 (Five Hundred Million Naira).
The bail conditions require two sureties for each defendant, who must also provide the same sum. These sureties are mandated to depose to an affidavit of means, demonstrating their financial capacity.
Meanwhile, Abubakar Malami has expressed dissatisfaction with the proceedings. He has formally requested that the Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, recuse himself from the investigation, alleging potential bias.
Justice Emeka Nwite has adjourned the case to Tuesday, February 17, 2026, for the continuation of the trial. This case continues to draw significant public attention, highlighting the ongoing efforts to tackle high-profile corruption and the judiciary's stance on ethical conduct within legal proceedings.
