Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and an associate, Hajia Bashir Asabe, have pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The defendants appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, where they entered their pleas following the reading of the charges.
The EFCC accuses the trio of conspiring to conceal and launder billions of naira suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities between 2015 and 2025, a period that largely overlaps with Malami's tenure as Nigeria's chief law officer under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Key allegations include using companies such as Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, and Meethaq Hotels Limited as conduits to disguise the origin of funds.
Specific counts cite transactions involving sums exceeding ₦1 billion lodged in bank accounts, retention of large cash amounts as loan collateral, and indirect acquisition of luxury properties in Abuja, Kano, Kebbi, and other locations.
Prosecutors claim the defendants acquired or facilitated the purchase of multiple high-value assets, with the total value of properties under scrutiny estimated at over ₦200 billion in some reports.
The charges are framed under provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, carrying potential penalties including imprisonment and asset forfeiture if convicted.
Malami, who has previously denied any wrongdoing and described aspects of the investigation as a "media trial," was detained by the EFCC earlier this month before being granted bail in related proceedings.
The case has drawn significant attention given his prominent role in past anti-corruption efforts.
The trial is expected to proceed, with witnesses including bank officials and property company representatives listed by the prosecution.
The defendants maintain their innocence as the legal process unfolds.
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