Former Attorney-General Malami Faces Federal High Court Arraignment

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja. He faces a 16-count charge related to alleged money laundering offences. The case highlights ongoing efforts to address financial crimes, much like operations where troops nab bandit financiers to dismantle criminal networks.

Details of the Charges and Co-Defendants

Malami will be docked alongside his son, also named Abubakar Malami, and Bashir Asabe, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd. The EFCC’s charges allege the defendants conspired to disguise the origin of billions of naira through complex financial transactions and extensive property acquisitions in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi States. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2015 and 2025, a period covering Malami’s tenure under the former administration. This legal action follows a pattern of accountability seen in other sectors, such as when the Kano govt revokes land titles from dubious sources.

Specific Allegations in the Charge Sheet

According to court documents, the counts include concealing over N1 billion in a Sterling Bank account, using N600 million as collateral for a bank loan, and disguising funds for luxury property purchases. One count alleges N500 million was used to buy a Maitama duplex, while others detail acquisitions in Garki and Jabi Districts of Abuja. The EFCC asserts these actions violate the Money Laundering Acts of 2011 and 2022. The scale of the alleged scheme required a sophisticated syndicate ‘pull Ned’ would recognize, operating across multiple entities and bank accounts.

The commission stated that Malami had been under investigation since December 2025. As this high-profile case moves to court, it joins a full list countries committed to enforcing anti-corruption statutes. The outcome will be watched closely, echoing the concern players’ in the judicial system have for upholding the rule of law without prejudice.