Former Attorney-General Malami, Son, Wife Detained In Custody For Money Laundering

A Federal High Court has ordered the detainment of former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, alongside his son and wife, at Kuje Correctional Centre while awaiting a ruling on their bail application.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the detention order following the arraignment of Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his fourth wife Bashir Asabe on Tuesday. The three defendants face a 16-count charge related to alleged money laundering offenses.

The three pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were presented in court. The judge’s decision came after hearing submissions from the defense team, led by Joseph Daudu (SAN), and prosecution counsel Ekele Iheneacho (SAN).

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought the charges, alleging the defendants conspired on multiple occasions to conceal, retain, and disguise proceeds from unlawful activities totaling several billion naira.

On account of the anti-corruption agency, the alleged offenses occurred over several years and involved using corporate entities and bank accounts to launder funds, holding substantial cash amounts as loan collateral, and purchasing valuable properties in Abuja, Kano, and other areas.

The EFCC claims some of these alleged violations took place during Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General, contravening the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

Justice Nwite has adjourned the case for continued proceedings at a later date.