A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), along with his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Bashir Asabe, at the Kuje Correctional Centre ahead of the New Year. The remand was issued on Tuesday as the court adjourned the hearing of their bail applications to January 2, 2026, meaning the trio will spend New Year’s Day in detention.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the three on a 16-count money laundering charge, alleging that they conspired to conceal, disguise, and retain proceeds of unlawful activities running into billions of naira. The prosecution claims the offences involved using various companies and bank accounts to launder funds and acquire high-value properties across Abuja, Kano and other locations.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the defence, led by senior counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued for bail, but the judge, Emeka Nwite, ruled that it was in the interest of justice to allow the prosecution adequate time to respond to the written bail application already filed. The court has now fixed January 2 for a formal hearing of the bail request.
Malami and his co-defendants entered not guilty pleas to all charges. The EFCC alleges some of the purported offences took place over several years, including during Malami’s tenure as AGF. The delay in the bail determination ensures they remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre as the legal process continues into the new year.
