The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has charged former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, with alleged money laundering involving about ₦9 billion. He is to face a 16 count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Malami was charged alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and Hajia Bashir Asabe, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited. The charges are brought under the Money Laundering Prohibition Act and relate to alleged concealment and retention of funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
According to the charge sheet dated December 23, 2025, Malami allegedly used companies including Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to launder funds and acquire luxury properties in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and other locations. The EFCC claimed he acquired about 30 houses valued at ₦212.8 billion, mostly during his eight years in office under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The commission may apply the non conviction asset forfeiture provision of its Act to seize some of the properties and has a 14 day window to invite interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The prosecution team is led by Jibrin Okutepa SAN and Ekene Iheanacho SAN, with 14 other lawyers. At least 10 witnesses have been listed in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. The court is yet to fix a date for the commencement of trial.
