A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the hearing of his bail application.
The order also applies to Malami’s co-defendants — his son, Abubakar Malami, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe.
The directive came from Justice Emeka Nwite after hearing arguments from the defense led by Joseph Daudu (SAN) and the prosecution team of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Ekele Iheneacho (SAN)
Malami and his co-defendants are facing a 16-count money laundering charge.
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly conspired to conceal, retain, and disguise the proceeds of unlawful activities totaling several billions of naira.
The charges reportedly span several years and include 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.
Some of the offences allegedly occurred while Malami served as Attorney-General, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
The defendants pleaded not guilty.
While the defense urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, the prosecution opposed it, citing the seriousness of the charges and the magnitude of the alleged financial crimes.
Legal observers describe the case as a high-profile anti-corruption trial in Nigeria, marking one of the most significant prosecutions involving a former chief law officer of the federation.
The matter has been adjourned for the hearing and determination of the bail applications.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
