The trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and his son resumed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday over the alleged N8.7 billion money laundering case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The case, which has drawn wide public attention since the defendants were first arraigned, centers on accusations of conspiracy, disguising, concealing and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities.x+1
The defendants in the matter include Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami. The EFCC says the alleged sum involved is N8,713,923,759.49, and the charge against them spans 16 counts under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.premiumtimesng+1
Court Appearance
According to reports from the hearing, Malami and his son were back in court as the proceedings continued before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The matter has already gone through several procedural stages, including arraignment and earlier adjournments, as the court considers the next phase of the trial.guardian+1
The case has been before different judges at various times, with earlier reports noting that new bail conditions were imposed after a judicial reassignment. One report said Justice Joyce Abdulmalik reopened the hearings and set a fresh bail condition of N200 million after taking over the case.
EFCC Allegations
The EFCC alleges that the funds at the center of the case were proceeds of unlawful activity and were allegedly concealed through the acquisition of properties and other transactions. Earlier reports said the anti-graft agency accused Malami and his relatives of hiding the illicit origin of money used to buy high-value properties in Abuja, Kano and Kebbi.
The commission’s case is based on the claim that the defendants took part in a scheme involving the movement and handling of suspicious funds. A report on the proceedings said the former minister and his son face multiple counts relating to the alleged movement and handling of money said by the EFCC to be proceeds of crime.vanguardngr+1
Charges and Defendants
The prosecution’s case is built on a 16-count charge that includes conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities. The EFCC arraigned Malami, his wife and son in Abuja in late December 2025, according to earlier court reports.thenationonlineng+2
Reports from the first arraignment said Malami appeared in court alongside his son and another co-defendant linked to Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, a company said to be associated with the former minister. That early court appearance marked the start of a trial that has continued to attract political and legal interest because of Malami’s former role as the country’s top law officer.
Procedural History
The case has progressed in stages, with the court at different points adjourning hearing dates and addressing bail-related issues. In March 2026, one report said the EFCC opened its case against Malami, his wife and son, showing that the trial had moved beyond the arraignment stage.
In April 2026, another report said the court admitted documentary exhibits presented by the prosecution, indicating that evidence has already begun to be tested in open court. Later, the Federal High Court adjourned the matter to June 23, 2026, for continuation of trial.ground+1
Public Interest
The case has become one of the most closely watched financial crime proceedings in Nigeria because it involves a former attorney-general and members of his family. It also comes at a time when money laundering enforcement remains a major focus for regulators and prosecutors in the country.guardian+1
For now, the allegations remain before the court, and the defendants are presumed innocent until the case is determined by judicial process. The next steps will depend on how the Federal High Court handles the evidence, the prosecution’s arguments and the defense’s response.