Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, sternly warned counsel and litigants involved in the trial of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and two others against approaching him for any form of favour, cautioning that his leniency should not be misconstrued.
The judge issued the warning during proceedings, stressing that the court would not tolerate any attempt to influence its processes. He reminded counsel that familiarity would not affect his handling of cases and warned that any effort to tarnish his integrity would be firmly resisted.
Malami is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, over alleged money laundering offences amounting to ₦8.71 billion.
The defendants are facing a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In one of the charges, the EFCC alleged that Malami and his son procured a company, Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, to conceal over ₦1.01 billion believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities. Other counts accused the defendants of conspiring to disguise and indirectly control several billion naira through accounts linked to Meethaq Hotels Limited and other entities.
Earlier, Justice Nwite granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties in like sum. The court ruled that the sureties must be landed property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa, and must submit affidavits of means. The properties are to be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
The judge further ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court and barred them from travelling خارج the country without permission. They are also required to submit passport photographs, while the residences of their sureties must be verified.
Justice Nwite directed that the defendants remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until all bail conditions are perfected and adjourned the matter to February 17, 2026, for continuation of trial.
