The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
On Tuesday, Malami was brought before Justice Emeka Nwite alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe.
The trio were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a fresh 16-count charge bordering on money laundering.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, after hearing arguments from both the defence and the prosecution, the court ordered their immediate remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The remand will remain in force pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications.
According to court proceedings, the defence team was led by Joseph Daudu (SAN), while the prosecution was represented by Ekele Iheneacho (SAN).
Justice Nwite ruled that the defendants should be kept in custody while the bail applications are considered, therefore marking a major development in the long-running case.
The EFCC accused the defendants of conspiring at different times to conceal, retain, and disguise proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to several billions of naira.
It was alleged that the funds were laundered through various companies and bank accounts linked to the accused persons.
Moreover, the anti-graft agency claimed that the funds were used to acquire high-value properties in Abuja, Kano, and other locations across the country.
These alleged acts were said to have occurred between 2015 and 2023, a period that covers Malami’s entire tenure as Attorney-General under the administration of late former president Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC further stated that the alleged offences contravened the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, as amended, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Some of the actions were allegedly committed while Malami served as the chief law officer of the federation.
Meanwhile, Malami and his co-defendants have continued to deny all allegations.
In previous statements, the former justice minister described aspects of the investigation as politically motivated.
He has maintained that he committed no offence during his time in office.
This latest remand order follows Malami’s earlier arraignment on December 30, after weeks of detention and intense legal battles over bail conditions with the EFCC.
Therefore, the decision to remand him again has renewed public debate around accountability and the treatment of former public officials.
Furthermore, attention is now firmly on the court’s next sitting, where arguments on bail are expected to be heard.
