By Charles Pemu 
In a major development within the nation’s judicial and anti-corruption landscape, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Presiding Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, issued the remand order on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, following the arraignment of the former minister alongside his son, Abubakar Malami, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe. The trio is to remain in custody pending the hearing and determination of their formal bail applications.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has preferred a 16-count charge of money laundering against the defendants. The prosecution, led by Ekele Iheneacho (SAN), alleges that Malami and his family members conspired to:
- Conceal and Disguise: Retain the proceeds of unlawful activities totaling several billions of naira.
- Asset Laundering: Use various companies and private bank accounts to funnel illicit funds.
- Collateral Schemes: Retain large cash sums as collateral for significant loans.
- Real Estate Acquisitions: Acquire high-value properties in strategic locations including Abuja and Kano.
The EFCC further contends that several of these alleged offenses were committed during Malami’s tenure as the nation’s chief law officer, violating the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
During the proceedings, the defense team, led by Joseph Daudu (SAN), moved for the defendants to be granted bail, arguing for their right to liberty while awaiting trial. However, the prosecution countered, leading Justice Nwite to adjourn the matter to a later date to deliver a ruling on the bail request.
The remand of a former AGF—the first of its kind in recent Nigerian history—marks a significant escalation in the ongoing probe into the financial dealings of the previous administration’s high-ranking officials.