Court Revokes Previous Bail, Orders Fresh Applications
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik gave the ruling on Friday, directing that Malami and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, be returned to the Kuje Correctional Centre, while Malami’s wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, was remanded at the Suleja Medium Correctional Centre.
The court held that the earlier bail granted by Justice Emeka Nwite was terminated following the reassignment of the case, stressing that fresh bail applications must now be filed before it.
EFCC Re-Arraigns Malami, Family Members
The re-arraignment was carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after the case was transferred to Justice Abdulmalik.
The defendants are facing an amended 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to ₦8,713,923,759.49, contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Details of the Alleged Offences
According to the charge sheet, Malami and his son allegedly used corporate entities and bank accounts to conceal the unlawful origin of over ₦1 billion between July 2022 and June 2025.
Another count accused Malami, his son, and Hajia Bashir Asabe of conspiring to disguise over ₦1.04 billion allegedly funneled through a hotel account in Abuja between 2022 and 2024.
They were also accused of indirectly taking control of over ₦1.36 billion, which prosecutors say were proceeds of unlawful activities.
Defendants Plead Not Guilty
All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the amended charges when they were read in court.
While defence counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), argued that the earlier bail should subsist since it was a Federal High Court matter, the prosecution maintained that the court had discretion to impose fresh bail conditions.
Justice Abdulmalik rejected an oral bail request, citing the gravity of the allegations, and ordered that formal bail applications be filed.
Next Court Date
The court adjourned the matter to March 6, 2026, for hearing of bail applications and commencement of trial, while also directing the prosecution to allow defence lawyers access to the defendants.
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