Table of Contents
- New Money Laundering Charges
- Details of the Charges
- Acquisition of Properties
- Violation of Money Laundering Act
- Previous Allegations
- Bail Conditions
The Federal Government has brought forth new money laundering charges against Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, along with his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, concerning alleged financial transactions surpassing N1 billion.
The 16-count charge, which has been filed with the Federal High Court in Abuja and is designated as FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, identifies the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the complainant, with Hajia Bashir Asabe listed as a co-defendant.
According to the court documents, the defendants are accused of managing, transferring, and concealing funds believed to be the proceeds of illegal activities.
Investigators reportedly traced a total of N1,014,848,500 to a Sterling Bank account associated with these transactions.
The prosecution asserts that the funds were laundered through various corporate entities, including Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, which was allegedly used as a facade to hide the source and movement of the money.
Additionally, it is alleged that between 2015 and 2025, multiple properties in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi states were purchased with these illicit funds.
The properties are said to include luxury residences in upscale neighborhoods such as Maitama, Asokoro, Gwarimpa, and Jabi, with some transactions reportedly taking place while Malami served as Attorney-General.
One of the counts claims that between July 2022 and June 2025, the defendants engaged Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to obscure the illegal origin of over N1.014 billion, an offense purportedly violating the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The charge sheet also details the alleged use of bank accounts, hotel businesses, and real estate companies to retain, transfer, or disguise substantial amounts of money, including payments for hotels, plazas, duplexes, and land acquisitions.
Prosecutors contend that the defendants “reasonably ought to have known” that the funds originated from unlawful activities.
Malami held the position of Nigeria’s Attorney-General from 2015 to 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and faced numerous corruption allegations throughout his tenure, which he has consistently refuted.
In a related matter, the Federal High Court in Abuja previously granted Malami interim bail in a separate case involving the EFCC.
The court mandated that he surrender his passport and adhere to existing bail conditions, including the provision of two sureties.
The case has been postponed until January 5, 2026, for further proceedings.
What are the new charges against Abubakar Malami?
The Federal Government has filed new money laundering charges against Abubakar Malami and his son, totaling 16 counts related to financial transactions exceeding N1 billion.
What is the status of the court case?
The case has been adjourned until January 5, 2026, for further proceedings.
What were the alleged illegal activities?
The defendants are accused of handling, transferring, and concealing funds believed to be proceeds from unlawful activities, including the purchase of properties with illicit funds.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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