The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of their bail application.
The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, also directed that Malami’s co-defendants, his son, Abubakar Malami, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe, be remanded in custody.
The order followed arguments from the defence team led by Joseph Daudu (SAN) and the prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheneacho (SAN).
Malami and his co-defendants are standing trial on a 16-count charge of money laundering filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC alleges that the defendants conspired at various times to conceal, retain and disguise proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to several billions of naira.
According to the charge, the alleged offences span several years and involve the use of companies and bank accounts to launder funds, the retention of cash as collateral for loans, and the acquisition of high-value properties in Abuja, Kano and other locations.
The commission further claims that some of the alleged offences were committed while Malami was serving as Attorney-General of the Federation, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
