Court Denies Malami Bail, Orders Remand in Kuje Over Naira-Billion Money Laundering Case
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has refused bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), ordering his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre over alleged large-scale money laundering.
Justice Emeka Nwite on Tuesday declined to grant bail to Malami, his son Abdulaziz Malami, and Hajia Bashir Asabe, a staff member of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, pending a formal response from the prosecution.
The court ruled after the prosecution, led by Kelechi Ekele (SAN), objected to the bail application, describing it as an ambush that could not be adequately addressed orally. Defence counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN) had sought bail for the defendants.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused the trio of conspiring to conceal the illicit origin of funds and properties allegedly spread across Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano States. All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the prosecution, Malami allegedly used Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd between July 2022 and June 2025 to conceal over ₦1.6 billion in a Sterling Bank account. Part of the funds was reportedly used as collateral for a ₦500 million loan obtained by Rahaan Hotels Ltd.
The EFCC further alleged that Malami and the co-defendants disguised the source of funds used to acquire several luxury properties, including a duplex in Maitama, hotels in Jabi and Garki, and high-value properties in Asokoro, Gwarimpa, Kano, and Kebbi, with transactions spanning from 2015 to 2025.
Investigators claimed that over ₦3 billion was laundered through multiple bank accounts linked to companies such as Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Hamonia Hotels Ltd, and other entities allegedly controlled by the defendants.
The offences, according to the prosecution, violate Sections 15(2)(a), 15(3), and 18(3) of the Money Laundering Act, 2004.
Justice Nwite adjourned the case to allow the prosecution file a formal response to the bail applications, while ordering the defendants to remain in custody
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