Immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, his son Abubakar Abdulaziz, and Hajia Bashir Asabe have been remanded in Kuje Prison, Abuja. They are to remain in custody until January 2, when their bail application will be heard by a Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory. Hajia Asabe is reported to be an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, a firm allegedly linked to Malami.
Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the defendants should remain in prison to allow the prosecution respond to the bail application filed by the defense. The judge noted that granting bail before the prosecution responds would violate the right to fair hearing.
Earlier, the three defendants were arraigned on a 16-count money laundering charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. They are accused of conspiring to disguise the origin of funds, acquire properties indirectly, and retain sums they allegedly knew were proceeds of unlawful activity, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 and 2022. The defendants pleaded not guilty.
The EFCC claims the following:
Between July 2022 and June 2025, Malami and his son directed Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal over N1 billion in a Sterling Bank account, knowing the funds were illicit.
Between September 2020 and February 2021, they allegedly concealed over N600 million through the same company.
In March 2021, they retained N600 million as cash collateral for a N500 million loan to Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, knowing the funds were illicit.
In November 2022, the trio allegedly used N500 million to purchase a luxury duplex in Maitama, Abuja.
Between November 2022 and September 2024, they allegedly concealed over N1 billion through Meethaq Hotels Ltd.
Between November 2022 and October 2025, Malami and his son allegedly controlled over N1.3 billion from the same account.
In November–December 2018, they allegedly concealed N700 million to buy property in Garki, Abuja.
Between September and December 2020, they allegedly concealed N850 million to acquire property in Jabi District, Abuja.
In February 2018, Malami and Hajia Bashir allegedly acquired property in Maitama, Abuja for N430 million from unlawful sources.
Between February and June 2018–2021, additional properties were allegedly acquired using concealed funds across Asokoro, Gwarimpa, and other districts.
Between December 2016 and January 2023, multiple properties in Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano were allegedly purchased with illicit funds.
The case continues with the court set to hear the bail application and determine the next steps for trial.
