A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, ordered the remand of former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their bail applications.
The order followed their arraignment on a 16‑count charge of money laundering, unlawful acquisition of assets, and conspiracy. The defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The charges allege that between November 2015 and June 2025, Malami and his co‑accused engaged in activities to conceal billions of naira through complex financial transactions, corporate entities, bank accounts, and property acquisitions in Abuja, Kebbi State, and other locations.
Justice Emeka Nwite declined to grant immediate bail, stating that the court would hear the bail applications at a later date.
The matter has been adjourned to January 2, 2026, for the hearing of the defendants’ bail motions.
Malami has been in EFCC custody since December 8, 2025, after reportedly failing to meet previously set bail conditions despite a court granting interim bail on December 23, 2025.
The anti‑graft agency has maintained that his continued detention is lawful pending the trial.
READ ALSO: Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami, Son Arraigned Over Multi-Billion Naira Money Laundering Allegations
The EFCC’s charge sheet outlines several alleged offences, including:
• Concealment of over N1 billion through bank accounts using corporate entities
• Retention of funds as collateral for loans to private companies
• Acquisition of luxury properties in upscale districts of Abuja
Prosecutors are expected to call bankers, financial experts, and officials to testify during the trial.
The case has drawn nationwide attention, fueling debates on accountability, prosecutorial independence, and the handling of high-profile corruption cases.
Justice Nwite will hear the bail applications on January 2, 2026, after which the substantive trial will proceed.