A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami (SAN), his wife Asabe Bashir, and his son Abdulaziz be remanded in prison custody pending the determination of their bail applications. Malami and his son will be held at Kuje Prison, while Asabe Bashir will be remanded at Suleja Prison, Niger State.
The ex-AGF and his family were re-arraigned on a 16-count money laundering charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accused of laundering N8.7 billion through property acquisitions across Nigeria during Malami’s tenure as Minister of Justice. Corrections were made to the sums in counts 11 and 12 from billions to millions of naira.
Separately, Malami and Abdulaziz face a five count terrorism and firearms charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). They are accused of abetting terrorism financing and unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition in their residence in Kebbi State. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
The court granted bail to Malami and Abdulaziz at N100 million each, with two sureties, one of whom must own a property in Maitama or Asokoro. The trial for the money laundering and terrorism cases has been adjourned, with hearings set for March 4 and March 6.
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