By Ghazali Ibrahim
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday has ordered the remand of Nigeria’s former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), in Kuje Correctional Centre.
The ruling came after his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on multiple counts of money laundering and illegal asset concealment.
Malami was arraigned alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and a co-defendant, Bashir Asabe. All three pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges leveled against them.
Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, directed that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications. The court adjourned the matter to January 2 and 5, 2026, for further proceedings.
According to the EFCC, Malami and his co-accused allegedly laundered billions of naira and unlawfully acquired assets while in office.
The agency presented detailed evidence as part of its investigation into the matter.
The development marks a major turn in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, as Malami becomes one of the most senior former public officials to be held in custody while facing trial.
If bail is not granted, the former minister and his co-defendants are expected to spend the New Year period behind bars.
