The former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, , along with his wife and son, will spend the first week of 2026 in custody.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Friday, ordered that Malami, his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, be further remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The court has scheduled Wednesday, January 7, 2026, to deliver its ruling on their respective bail applications.The trio is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 16-count charge.
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The anti-graft agency alleges that the family conspired to launder, conceal, and disguise the proceeds of unlawful activities totaling ₦8.71 billion.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly used a web of corporate entities and multiple bank accounts to funnel illicit funds between 2015 and 2025.
The prosecution specifically pointed to high-value real estate transactions in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi as part of the laundering scheme.
The Friday session was marked by intense legal arguments between the defense lead, J.B. Daudu, and prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho.
Daudu urged the court to grant Malami bail on self-recognizance, given his status as a former high-ranking government official and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
He argued that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty; they had previously been granted administrative bail by the EFCC without incident and allegations of witness interference are “speculative” and lack concrete evidence.
Iheanacho countered the bail request, presenting three separate counter-affidavits.
He argued that the EFCC has evidence of witness suborning and interference by the defendants.
He contended that administrative bail during investigation is vastly different from bail after formal charges are filed in court.
He warned that the gravity of the offences and the risk of tampering with the trial’s integrity warrant continued detention.
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Justice Nwite noted the heavy workload of the court during the current vacation period but assured both parties that justice would be served promptly.
“I have many high-profile cases during this vacation period, but justice will be served in the shortest possible time,” the judge remarked before adjourning for five days.
