A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and an associate, Hajia Bashir Asabe, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their bail applications.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter to January 2, 2026, after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed an oral bail request made by defence counsel, Ade Dayo Adedeji, who maintained that the application was valid under Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
The EFCC insisted on responding to the bail motion in writing, prompting the court to adjourn for a formal hearing.
Malami, who served as minister from 2015 to 2023 under late President Muhammadu Buhari, appeared in court alongside his son and Asabe, as the anti-graft agency arraigned them on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, unlawful acquisition of assets, conspiracy, and abuse of office.
Speaking to journalists after the session, Adedeji welcomed the court’s decision, insisting the defence has confidence in the judicial process.
“We are pleased with the ruling. Bail is at the court’s discretion, and the court felt the prosecution should respond.
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“We are satisfied. On Friday, by the special grace of God, we will take the application and leave everything to the court to decide,” he said, while clarifying that his name is Ade Dayo Adedeji, not Adebayo.
According to the charges, Malami allegedly used proxies and private companies, including Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited and Meethaq Hotels Limited, to launder funds through bank accounts, property purchases, and hotel investments.
One of the counts claims the former minister and his son moved over N1.01 billion into a Sterling Bank account between July 2022 and June 2025 through Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited in order to conceal the origin of the funds.
Other allegations include N600m allegedly used as collateral to secure a loan for Rayhaan Hotels Limited, purchase of multi-million-naira property in Maitama, Asokoro, Jabi, Gwarimpa, and parts of Kano, and transactions through bureau de change operators to disguise asset ownership
Witnesses, including investigators, bankers, and bureau de change operators, are listed in the EFCC’s proof of evidence.
