The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN), his wife Asabe Bashir, and son Abdulaziz before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a 16-count charge of money laundering.
The re-arraignment took place on Friday, February 27, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, following the reassignment of the case from a previous judge.
EFCC counsel Jibrin Okutepa informed the court that the matter was appearing for the first time under the new judge and applied for the defendants' pleas to be taken.
He also sought amendments to counts 11 and 12, correcting inflated figures (from N325 billion and N120 billion to N325 million and N120 million, respectively).
Defense counsel Joseph Daudu raised no objection, and the court granted the corrections.
All three defendants, Abubakar Malami, Asabe Bashir, and Abdulaziz Malami pleaded not guilty to the amended 16-count charge, which borders on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The case, originally filed in late 2025 (with initial arraignment on December 30, 2025, before Justice Emeka Nwite), alleges involvement in laundering sums totaling approximately N8.7 billion.
It was reassigned after another judge withdrew for personal reasons.The defendants were previously remanded briefly at correctional facilities before securing bail in the earlier proceedings.
The re-arraignment marks a procedural step in the ongoing trial, with further hearings expected as the case progresses.
The EFCC continues its prosecution amid high-profile anti-corruption efforts targeting former officials.
More details on the trial are anticipated in subsequent court sessions.
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