Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the ongoing N8.7 billion money laundering trial involving former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, along with his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe and son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, to June 23, 2026.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the defendants on a 16-count charge of conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities totaling N8,713,923,759.49, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
At Friday’s resumed sitting, prosecution counsel J.S. Okutepa, SAN, informed the court that while the case was scheduled for continuation, the defence had submitted a letter requesting an adjournment. Okutepa noted that although the prosecution could oppose the request, it chose not to, while asking the court to take note of the multiple adjournments previously requested by the defendants.
Justice Abdulmalik acknowledged the prosecution’s submission, emphasizing that the absence of the lead defence counsel should not ordinarily halt proceedings given the number of lawyers available in his chambers. However, she granted the adjournment, noting that the defence still had remaining allowances for further adjournments under the court’s rules.
The trial will now resume on June 23, 2026.
