Ex‑AGF Abubakar Malami, Wife and Son to Spend New Year in Kuje Prison Over Money Laundering Charges
Former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), along with his wife, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, will spend the New Year’s holiday in custody after a Federal High Court in **Abuja ordered their remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the remand order on Tuesday after the trio was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 16‑count charge alleging conspiracy and money laundering involving billions of naira.
The defendants appeared before the court on allegations that they conspired to “conceal, retain and disguise proceeds of unlawful activities” through the use of companies, bank accounts, and the acquisition of high‑value properties in Abuja, Kano and other states. Some of the alleged offences are said to have occurred while Malami was still serving as AGF, which the EFCC says violates the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
All three pleaded not guilty to the charges laid against them. Following the plea, EFCC counsel Ekele Iheneacho (SAN) applied for time to respond to the defence’s pending bail application, which the court has fixed for January 2, 2026.
Malami’s defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the charges are bailable and the defendants pose no flight risk. However, the prosecution opposed the oral application, citing legal requirements under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. The judge ultimately ruled that bail arguments would be heard on the scheduled date, and the accused are to remain in custody until then.