The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, the 7th of January, 2026, witnessed a stern warning from the judge presiding over the ₦8.7 billion money-laundering trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, as he cautioned all parties against any form of private contact with the court.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who is handling the case, issued the warning while delivering his ruling on the bail applications filed by Malami and his co-defendants, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami.
Emphasising his commitment to judicial integrity and independence, the judge made it clear that no relationship or familiarity would influence his conduct on the bench.
“Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing with any case, do not approach me. The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned,” the judge cautioned.
Justice Nwite further warned that his calm demeanour in court should not be mistaken for weakness, stressing that he would firmly resist any attempt to compromise the integrity of the proceedings.
Addressing the prosecution team of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), defence lawyers and the defendants, the judge added, “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.”
Malami, who served as Attorney-General under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2015 and 2023, is facing trial alongside his wife and son on a 16-count charge bordering on the alleged laundering of about ₦8.7 billion.
According to the charge sheet filed by the EFCC, the defendants are accused of retaining proceeds of unlawful activity and acquiring assets allegedly traced to funds of questionable origin.
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After hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted bail to each of the defendants in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties in like sum. Justice Nwite further directed that the sureties must own verifiable properties located in either Maitama or Gwarinpa areas of Abuja.
The judge issued his warning immediately after pronouncing the bail ruling, reiterating that neither litigants nor their lawyers should attempt any form of back-door access to the court. He reminded all parties to understand the nature of the court before which they appear, noting pointedly that “all judges are not the same.”
Justice Nwite advised parties to focus on engaging competent legal counsel to argue their cases properly rather than attempting undue influence.
In a separate ruling delivered the same day, the judge also granted an interim forfeiture order sought by the EFCC over 57 properties suspected to be linked to Malami’s alleged unlawful dealings. The order followed an ex-parte application filed by the anti-graft agency and moved by its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.