The PDP high-powered delegation, led by Turaki, arrived at Mark’s residence at Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja, at about 4.50 p.m. on Wednesday.

A source close to the party disclosed that the visit was part of moves by PDP to form alliance with ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Already at the meeting are Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; former Minister of Information and founding father of PDP, Prof. Jerry Gana; former Niger Governor, Babangida Aliyu and other members of the PDP National Working Committee, NWC.

Also in attendance are former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso and former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal.

Former Governor Rotimi Ameachi of Rivers and a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami are equally at the meeting.

The leaders of the two parties are expected to brief newsmen after the meeting.

Source: NAN

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The post JUST IN: Turaki-led PDP in closed-door meeting with Mark’s ADC appeared first on Frontpageng.

Trial judge, Justice Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, directed the EFCC to call its first witness.

Although Joseph Daudu, SAN, who appeared for the defendants, attempted to draw the court’s attention to his clients’ pending bail application, the judge declined the lawyer’s request.

Justice Abdulmalik reminded Daudu that on the last adjourned date, she made an order to the effect.

Justice Abdulmalik held that the bail application and other motions would be taken after the EFCC’s 1st prosecution witness (PW-1) had given his evidence-in-chief.

Following the directive, the EFCC lawyer, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, called their (PW-1), David Ajoma, a banker.

Giving his evidence, Ajoma told the court that he worked as a compliance officer with Sterling Bank in Abuja.

He said he had worked with the bank for three years and handled compliance requests from law enforcement agencies.

The PW-1 testified that on December 2, 2025, Sterling Bank received a request from the EFCC seeking details of loan facilities granted to Rayham Hotel Limited.

According to him, the bank subsequently forwarded the requested documents, including the account opening package, loan account statements, and other supporting records.

The witness, who was led in evidence-in-chief by Okutepa, further told the court that the loan facility granted to Rayham Hotel Limited was backed by a cash collateral from Metropolitan Autotech.

He explained that both Metropolitan Autotech and Rayham Hotel Limited maintained separate accounts with Sterling Bank.

He said the signatory to the Metropolitan Autotech account was one Hassan Aliyu.

Under cross-examination by Daudu, Ajoma admitted that he was not the relationship manager for either Rayham Hotel Limited or Metropolitan Autotech accounts and was therefore not privy to the specific details or purposes of inflows into the accounts.

He also confirmed that the name of the former AGF, Malami, did not appear on the loan application documents presented to the court.

According to the witness, the only name appearing on the loan application was Abdulaziz Malami, who signed as the Managing Director of Rayham Hotel Limited.

Ajoma further told the court that none of the transactions reviewed by the bank originated from any government account, the Federal Ministry of Justice or from Malami personally.

The witness also stated that from the documents available before the court, he could not identify any suspicious transaction linked to the accounts under review.

He added that no transaction was found to be in breach of regulations issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

After the witness concluded his testimony, Daudu moved the bail application for Malami, his wife and their son.

Although Okutepa told the court that the commission would not be opposing, he urged the judge to impose conditions that would guarantee the defendants’ availability for trial.

Justice Abdulmalik granted the bail application following no objection by the anti-graft agency.

The judge admitted Malami, his wife and son to a N200 million bail each with two sureties each in like sum.

Justice Abdulmalik ordered that one of the sureties shall deposit his or her title deeds of a landed property located at Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja, to the registrar of the court.

The judge, who ordered the defendants to also deposit their passports (travel document) with the court, held that the trio would be remanded in Kuje and Suleja Correctional Centres pending the perfection of their bail terms.

Malami, Asabe and Abdulaziz are being prosecuted on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering to the tune of N8. 7 billion.

Justice Abdulmalik had, on February 27, admitted Malami and Abdulaziz to a N200 million bail with two sureties in like sum in another charge earlier filed by the Department of State Services, DSS, over alleged terrorism and illegal possession of firearms.

The case had, since, been taken over by the office of the current AGF, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

Source: NAN

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The post EFCC opens N8.7bn money laundering case against Malami, wife, son appeared first on Frontpageng.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the bail on Friday while ruling on the application argued by the defendants’ lead counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu, SAN.

The defendants, however, were ordered to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

Some of the bail conditions included that the former AGF and his son must produce two sureties each in like sum.

One of the sureties must own landed property in Maitama or Asokoro in Abuja.

Justice Abdulmalik also ordered that the title documents of the properties should be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court alongside valid international passports.

The judge ordered that the sureties must depose to affidavits of means and submit two recent passport photographs to the court.

In addition, Malami and his son were directed to deposit their passports (travel documents) and recent passport photographs with the court.

The judge subsequently fixed March 4 for the commencement of trial.

The Department of State Services, DSS, had arraigned Malami and Abdulaziz on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms.

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026 and filed before the court in Abuja, Malami was accused of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were allegedly forwarded to him while he served as AGF and Minister of Justice.

The defendants were also accused of warehousing firearms at their residence in Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi local government area of Kebbi without lawful authority.

Specifically, the DSS alleged in count one that Malami knowingly abetted terrorism financing by failing to prosecute alleged financiers, contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In counts two to five, Malami and his son were charged with unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.

The offence, according to the prosecuting agency are contrary to, and punishable under relevant provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Firearms Act, 2004.

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The post Alleged terrorism: Court grants Malami, son N200m bail appeared first on Frontpageng.

Justice Egwuatu, who was recently re-assigned the cases by the Chief Judge, CJ, of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, said he decided to withdraw from them for personal reasons and for better interest of justice.

The two cases include the multi billion naira asset forfeiture case concerning 57 property and the N8.7 billion money laundering charges filed by the EFCC against Malami, his wife, Asabe Bashir and son, Abdulaziz Malami.

The development occurred on Thursday shortly after the civil suit for forfeiture of 57 property allegedly linked to Malami was called for mention.

Upon resumed hearing, EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for mention.

The lawyer, however, told the court that the commission received a letter from Joseph Daudu, SAN, who is Malami’s counsel, seeking an adjournment of the case to Monday, February 16.

He said Daudu stated in the letter that he was at the Court of Appeal for another case, hence, the need for the application for an adjournment.

Shortly after Iheanacho addressed the court, Justice Egwuatu, in a brief ruling, announced his recusal from the case.

“Gentlemen, for personal reasons and for better interest of justice, I will recuse myself from this case and in the other sister case,” he said.

The judge said the case files would be remitted back to the chief judge accordingly.

Although Daudu was not in court, lawyers for other respondents/applicants, who had interest in some of the property already placed on temporary forfeiture to the federal government, were in court.

While Kalu Kalu Agu announced appearance for Alhaji Muktaka Usman Junju and Realsmart Tech Nigeria Ltd; D. O. Anyebe represented Real Edge Agro Services Ltd, while M.S. Ishaq appeared for his clients who he did not mention in open court.

The cases were formerly before Justice Emeka Nwite, who sat as vacation judge during the Christmas break.

The CJ had re-assigned the two cases to the new judge after the Christmas vacation sitting ended and Justice Obiora fixed February 12 for the civil case and February 16 for the money laundering case.

Justice Nwite, the former trial judge, had, on January 6, ordered the interim forfeiture of the 57 property suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Malami, to the federal government.

The judge made the order following an ex-parte motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026, and moved by the EFCC’s lawyer, Iheanacho, to the effect.

The judge directed the commission to publish the order in a national daily for interested person(s) to show cause, within 14 days, why all the property should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.

The multi-billion naira landed property are located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states.

But Malami had since challenged the anti-graft agency’s civil suit, praying the court to dismiss same.

In a motion on notice filed on January 27 on Malami’s behalf by a team of lawyers led by Daudu, the ex-AGF alleged that the anti-corruption agency got the interim order by suppression of material facts and misrepresentation.

Malami, who urged the court to dismiss the suit to prevent “conflicting outcomes duplicative litigation,” argued that the proceeding was an assault on his fundamental right to owned property, his presumption of innocence and his right to live in peace with his family.

More applicants had also joined Malami in urging the court to vacate the interim order of forfeiture.

In a related development, the ex-AGF, Asabe and Abdulaziz were, on December 30, 2025, arraigned by the anti-graft agency also before Justice Nwite in the 16-count criminal charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025.

They were arraigned on allegations bordering on money laundering offences to the tune of N8, 713,923, 759.49 (Eight billion, seven hundred and thirteen million, nine hundred and twenty three thousand, seven hundred and fifty nine naira, forty nine kobo).

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the 16 counts.

While Malami and son were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, Asabe was remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre before they were admitted to N500 million bail each, on January 7, with two sureties each in the like sum.

Malami and his son were, however, re-arresred by the Department of State Services, DSS, over allegations bordering on terrorism.

The duo, who are currently being detained by the DSS, were arraigned, on February 3, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of a sister court on a five-count terrorism charge.

Source: NAN

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The post Judge withdraws from EFCC’s cases against Malami, gives reason appeared first on Frontpageng.

Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in the Muhamadu Buhari administration.

Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order following an ex-parte motion moved by the lawyer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ekele Iheanacho, to the effect.

The multi-billion naira landed property are located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna states.

Although the order was made on Tuesday, its certified true copy (CTC) was sighted by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Wednesday.

“It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is hereby made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties described in Schedule 1 below which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities,” the judge said.

Nwite, in the ruling, also directed the publication of the interim order of forfeiture in any national daily.

The ruling is “inviting any person(s) or body (ies) who may have interest in the properties listed in the schedule to show cause, within 14 days of the publication, why a final order of forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria of the said assets and properties, should not be made.”

The judge then adjourned the matter until January 27 for report of compliance.

The assets, according to the ruling, include the following:

**Luxury Duplex at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011 Within Cadastral Zone, A06 Maitama; File No: AN enhancement 11352, which was purchased in December 2022 at N500,000, 000.00 (value after enhancement at N5,950, 000, 000);

**Two Winged Large Storey Building Situate at No. 3, Onitsha Crescent, Area 11,Garki, Cadastral Zone, A03, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited), FCT, which was purchased December 2018 at N7,000,000,000.00.

**Plot 683, Jabi District, Cadastral Zone B04, Comprising of a five storey Building (now luxurious Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Jabi, with 53 rooms/suites), which was purchased in September 2020 at carcass level at N850,000, 000. 00 with additional N300, 000, 000 to take possession (value after completion N8, 400, 000, 000).

**Property No. 3130 within Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja, comprising of terraces, purchased in January 2021 at N360, 000, 000.00.

**Property No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja (MEETHAQ HOTELS LTD, MAITAMA WITH 15 ROOMS), which was purchased on in February 2018 at N430, 000, 000.00 (current value after rehabilitation is N12, 950, 000, 000).

**Plot No. 1241B, Asokoro District Zone (NO. 11A YAKUBU GOWON CRESCENT) ASOKORO DISTRICT, which was purchased July 2021 at N325, 000, 000.00.

**SHOP NO. C82 CITISCAPE — SHARIFF PLAZA, PLOT 739 CADASTRAL ZONE A07, AMINU KANO CRESCENT, WUSE Il, FCT, ABUJA, which was purchased in March 2024 at N120, 000, 000.00.

**NO. 4 AHMADU BELLO WAY, NASARAWA GRA, KANO, which was purchased in December 2022 at N300, 000, 000. 00

**PLOT 157, LAMIDO CRESCENT, NASARAWA, GRA, KANO, purchased in July 2019 with no specific amount stated.

**A PLAZA, COMMERCIAL TOILETS, LAUNDERING, WAREHOUSE TANKS ADJACENT TO BIRNIN KEBBI MARKET, which was purchased in 2021 at N100, 000, 000.00.

**100 HECTARES OF LAND ALONG BIRNIN KEBBI, JEGA ROAD, which was purchased in 2020 at N100, 000, 000.00.

** 4 BEDROOM BUNGALOW GESSE PHASE, BIRNIN KEBBI, which was purchased in 2023 at N101, 000, 000.00.

** SHOPS NOS. A36, B3 VEGAS MALL, WUSE 2, ABUJA, which was purchased in July 2023 at N158, 000, 000.00.

**NO. 26, BABBI DRIVE, BUA ESTATE, ABUJA, purchased in 2022 at N136, 000, 000.00.

**NO. 27, EFAB ESTATES AVENUE, 59™ CRESCENT, GWARIMPA, ABUJA, purchased in January 2016 at N120, 000, 000.00.

**4 BEDROOM/ 2 ROOMS BOYS QUARTERS AT NO. 10B, DOKA CRESCENT ABAKPA GRA, KADUNA, purchased in January 2018 at N40, 000, 000.00.

**PLOT NO. 13, IPENT 7 ESTATE, KARSANA DISTRICT, ABUJA, purchased in June 2018 at N85, 000, 000.00.

**A BEDROOM DUPLEX & BOYS QUARTERS AT NO. 12 YALINGA STREET, OFF ADETOKUNBO ADEMOLA CRESCENT, WUSE Il, ABUJA, purchased in October 2018 at N150, 000, 000.00.

**TWO WAREHOUSE SHOPS B40 AND B46, WUSE MARKET, ABUJA, purchased in July 2020 at N50, 000, 000.00.

**TWIN HOUSES AT ZONE E, APO LEGISLATIVE QUARTERS, CADASTRAL ZONE B01, PLOT 14014, GUDU DISTRICT, ABUJA, purchased between February and May 2017 at N250, 000, 000.00.

**Properties acquired by Khadimiyya for Justice and Development Initiative at the Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi, sold by the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage.

These are nine units of three bedroom, bungalow, three units of two bedroom, bungalow, and 5.4 hectares of land, which were purchased between February 2023 and September 2023 at N187, 000, 000.00.

**RAYHAAN UNIVERSITY, KEBBI STATE, which include Rayhaan University Permanent Site; Rayhaan University Temporary Site; Rayhaan University Third Site and Rayhaan University Vice Chancellor House valued at N56, 000, 000, 000.00; N37, 800, 000, 000.00; 2, 450, 000, 000.00 and N490, 000, 000.00 respectively.

**RAYHAAN AGRO ALLIED FACTORY IN KEBBI which include Factory Buildings, Factory Machines and Plants Units, Factory Mosque, Rayhaan Mill Staff Quarters and Rayhaan Bustan Building valued at N4, 200, 000, 000.00; N10, 500, 000, 000.00; N2, 450, 000, 000. 00; N1, 487, 500, 000.00; and N3, 150, 000, 000.00 respectively.

**AZBIR ARENA, KEBBI STATE, which comprises of Azbir Hotel, Printing Press, Gallery, Gardens, Mosque, Azbir Clothing and Azbir Pharmacy and Supermarket valued at N10, 325, 000, 000.00; N1, 050, 000, 000.00; N581, 000, 000.00; N392, 000, 000.00; N252, 000, 000.00; N350, 000, 000.00 and N175, 000, 000.00 respectively.

**OTHER PROPERTIES HELD IN KEBBI STATE include Al-Afiya Energy Tanker Garage, opposite Rayhaan University Health Centre, along Sani Abacha Bypass Road,

The EFCC, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026 dated Jan. 5 but filed on Jan. 6 by J..S. Okutepa, SAN, had sought two reliefs.

In the affidavit attached to the application and deposed to by Daniel Adebayo, an investigating officer with Special Duties Committee of EFCC, he said the commission received several petitions against Malami from different persons alleging case of corruption, abuse of office and fraud.

The investigator, who listed three groups that wrote several petitions against the ex-minister, said upon receipt of the series of petitions, they were assigned to his team for discreet investigation.

“In carrying out the mandate of the commission, my team carried out several investigation activities which include making inquiries and receiving financial records from commercial banks and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),” he said.

The investigator said it also included writing and receiving responses from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

Others were the Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS), the Land Registry of Kebbi State, Sokoto State and Kano State, Kebbi State Inland Revenue Service, FCT Inland Revenue Services and National Universities Commission (NUC).

Besides, Adebayo said it included visiting the sold landed properties as well as inviting and interviewing individuals who featured in the investigation.

He said Malami, who was former AGF between 2015 and 2023, was paid a total of N89, 664, 000.00 as salary between 2015 and 2023 whilst in office with an average payment of N962,663.68 per month.

“He also received a severance allowance of N12, 158, 400.00 at the end of his tenure in office,” he said.

The investigator said Malami was also paid estacodes allowances to cover his travel expenses whenever he travelled outside the country on official trips.

According to the officer, he (Malami) calculated and declared a total sum of N253, 608, 500.00 as the amount he received for the official trips between 2015 and 2023 in a letter written to the Chairman of the CCB as addendum to his Assets Declaration Form in June 2023.

“Further to sub-paragraph (c) above, Mr Malami SAN in the course of investigation by the EFCC also filled and signed another Asset Declaration form which is attached and marked as Exhibit EFCC 4.

“I know that estacode allowances are not paid as income to public official but to cover expenses which a public officer will incur for official trips outside the country,” he said.

Adebayo averred that Malami did not state that he neither travelled for the official trips nor did not use the allowances paid for the trips.

“Mr Malami SAN used his position in office as the Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation to acquire and disguise funds which are not part of his known lawful sources of income.

“That while standing as a guarantor to the loan availed his private enterprises, Rayhaan Hotels Ltd by Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Malami SAN declared his personal assets before a Notary public on the 10th of September, 2020.

“In the declaration, Mr Malami SAN stated that the total value of his assets was N41, 000, 000.00, while his net income per month after expenses was N397, 000.

“That I know as a fact and verily believe the findings of the investigation that Mr Malami SAN whilst in office as the HAGF indirectly acquired the properties listed in the schedule to the application, with funds reasonably suspected to have been derived from unlawful activities.

“That aside the actual acquisition of the properties, most of the buildings referred to above in Kebbi State, did not obtain permit to erect most of the various structures in Kano and Kebbi States.

“That Mr Malami SAN indirectly acquired some of the above listed properties either in his name or through third party individuals or front companies/entities (which are currently under his chairmanship vide the Rayhaan Group Ltd),” the investigator alleged.

The officer equally listed several other companies under the Rayhaan Group Ltd to include Rayhaan Hotels Limited, Atmal Oil and Gas Limited and Rayhaan Communication Limited, among others.

Source: NAN

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The post Court orders interim forfeiture of 57 property allegedly linked to Malami appeared first on Frontpageng.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that the reasons adduced by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for opposing the defendants’ bail application were not concrete enough to deny them the request.

According to Justice Nwite, it tilts towards speculations.

The judge, therefore, granted their bail in the sum of N500 million each with two sureties who must be property owners in Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarimpa within the Federal Capital Territory.

He said that the documents of the landed property must be verified by the deputy registrar, Litigation, of the court.

He said that the defendants must deposit all their international passports to the deputy registrar, Litigation, of the court and they must not travel outside the country without the court permission.

Justice Nwite also ordered that the defendants and their sureties must deposit two passport photographs each to the court registrar.

Besides, the judge ordered that the residents of the sureties must be verified by the court registrar.

Justice Nwite, who ordered that the defendants must remain in Kuje and Suleja Correctional Centres pending the perfection of their bail conditions, adjourned the matter until January 17 for commencement of trial.

The EFCC had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, named the ex-minister, Hajia Bashir Asabe, his wife and an employee of a firm linked to the former minister, Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, and his son as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.

The anti-graft agency, in the 16 counts, accused the defendants of carrying out various suspicious transactions and attempting to conceal the unlawful origin of billions of naira through bank accounts and property acquisitions across Abuja, Kano and Kebbi.

They allegedly committed the offences between 2015 and 2025, a period that includes the eight years Malami served as the AGF during the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The commission alleged that Malami, his son, and Asabe conspired to disguise the origin of funds, acquire property indirectly, and retain sums they allegedly knew were proceeds of unlawful activity, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022.

In count one, the EFCC alleged that between July 2022 and June 2025, Malami and his son directed Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal over N1 billion (N1,014,848,500) in a Sterling Bank account, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

Count two alleged that between September 2020 and February 2021, the duo allegedly concealed more than N600 million (N600,013,460.40) through the same company.

In count three, the commission alleged that in March 2021, Malami and his son retained N600 million as cash collateral for a N500 million Sterling Bank loan to Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, despite knowing the funds were illicit.

Count four alleged that in November 2022, Mr Malami, his son, and Asabe disguised N500 million used to purchase a luxury duplex in Maitama, Abuja.

In count five, the EFCC claimed that between November 2022 and September 2024, the trio conspired to conceal N1,049,173,926.13 paid through Meethaq Hotels Ltd’s Union Bank account.

Count six accused them that between November 2022 and October 2025, Malami and his son allegedly took control of N1,362,887,872.96 from the same account, knowing it was illicit.

Count seven alleged that in November to December 2018, Malami and Asabe concealed N700 million used to purchase No. 3 Onitsha Crescent, Garki, Abuja (Hamonia Hotels Ltd).

In count eight, between September and December 2020, the duo and Asabe allegedly concealed N850 million to buy a property in Jabi District, Abuja (Meethaq Hotels Ltd).

Count nine stated that in February 2018, Malami and Hajia Bashir acquired No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja, for N430 million, allegedly from unlawful sources.

In count 10, the pair allegedly concealed N210 million in February 2018 to purchase a property in Asokoro District, Abuja.

Count 11 alleged that between March and June 2021, they concealed N325 million used to acquire No. 1241B Asokoro District, Abuja.

In count 12, the EFCC alleged that between November 2015 and January 2016, the duo concealed N120 million used to purchase No. 27 Efab Estate, Gwarimpa, Abuja.

Count 13 alleged that in November 2022, the ex-AGF, his son, and Asabe conspired to hide funds used to acquire a luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja.

In count 14, between December 2016 and April 2022, Malami, Asabe, and others allegedly “conspired to acquire additional properties” for Malami with proceeds of unlawful activity.

Count 15 alleged that between June 2023 and January 2023, Malami allegedly concealed “N537 million used to purchase multiple properties across Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano.”

In count 16, the EFCC alleged that between October 2018 and December 2021, Malami concealed “N415 million used to acquire several properties in Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano.”

The EFCC said it planned to call several witnesses, including commission staff, bank representatives, Bureau de Change operators and other financial experts.

Key witnesses include Folarin Dare, Chinedu Eneanya, Sani Lukeman, Abdulrahman Musa Basheer, Jamilu Mohammed, and representatives of Zenith Bank Plc and Sterling Bank Plc.

Folarin Dare, Chinedu Eneanya, and Sani Lukeman are expected to testify on how the EFCC received intelligence and petitions of alleged monumental corruption against the former minister.

Abdulrahman Musa Basheer is to provide evidence on Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd’s role in allegedly purchasing property for Malami.

Source: NAN

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The post Court admits Malami, wife, son to N500m bail each appeared first on Frontpageng.

Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after counsel for the defence, Joseph Daudu, SAN, and the EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the case.

EFCC had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, named the ex-minister, Hajia Bashir Asabe and Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively in the money laundering case.

The anti-graft agency accused the defendants of carrying out various suspicious transactions and attempting to conceal the unlawful origin of billions of naira through bank accounts and property acquisitions across Abuja, Kano and Kebbi.

They allegedly committed the offences between 2015 and 2025, a period that includes the eight years Malami served as the AGF during the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The commission alleged that Malami, his son, and Asabe conspired to disguise the origin of funds, acquire property indirectly, and retain sums they allegedly knew were proceeds of unlawful activity, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022.

Source: NAN

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The post Court gives date for ruling in Malami, wife, son’s bail application appeared first on Frontpageng.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on the oral bail application made by their lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, held that it would be in the interest of justice and fair hearing to allow the prosecution respond to the earlier bail application filed by the defence.

“I have listened to the submissions of the learned counsel of both divide and also gone through the relevant laws.

“It is not in dispute that an application for bail has been filed by the defendants.

“It is also not in dispute that the bail application has been served on the prosecution.

“It is not in dispute that, that application cannot be withdrawn by the defendants,” he said.

Justice Nwite said that though the court could exercise its power by granting a bail, he said such had to be made after the prosecution had responded to the bail application earlier filed.

According to the judge, it will amount to an ambush for the court to grant the bail application while the prosecution has not responded.

“This will breach the right to fair hearing against the prosecution.

“I am of the view that the interest of justice will be met by allowing the prosecution to respond to the bail application filed,” he said.

Justice Nwite, who ordered that the defendants be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their bail applications, adjourned the matter until January 2 for hearing.

The EFCC had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, named the ex-minister, Hajia Bashir Asabe and Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami as 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively in the money laundering case.

Source: NAN

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The post Court remands Malami, son, co-defendant in Kuje prison appeared first on Frontpageng.

The ex-AGF will be arraigned alongside his son, Abubakar Malami, and Bashir Asabe, an employee of a firm linked to the former minister, Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, before Justice Emeka Nwite on a 16-count charge.

Malami had been under investigation at the EFCC’s office since December 8.

The anti-graft agency, in the charge, accused the defendants of carrying out various suspicious transactions and attempting to conceal the unlawful origin of billions of naira through bank accounts and property acquisitions across Abuja, Kano and Kebbi.

They allegedly committed the offences between 2015 and 2025, a period that includes the eight years Malami served as the AGF during the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The commission alleged that Malami, his son, and Asabe conspired to disguise the origin of funds, acquire property indirectly, and retain sums they allegedly knew were proceeds of unlawful activity, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022.

In count one, the EFCC alleged that between July 2022 and June 2025, Malami and his son directed Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal over N1 billion (N1,014,848,500) in a Sterling Bank account, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

Count two alleged that between September 2020 and February 2021, the duo allegedly concealed more than N600 million (N600,013,460.40) through the same company.

In count three, the commission alleged that in March 2021, Malami and his son retained N600 million as cash collateral for a N500 million Sterling Bank loan to Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, despite knowing the funds were illicit.

Count four alleged that in November 2022, Mr Malami, his son, and Asabe disguised N500 million used to purchase a luxury duplex in Maitama, Abuja.

In count five, the EFCC claimed that between November 2022 and September 2024, the trio conspired to conceal N1,049,173,926.13 paid through Meethaq Hotels Ltd’s Union Bank account.

Count six accused them that between November 2022 and October 2025, Malami and his son allegedly took control of N1,362,887,872.96 from the same account, knowing it was illicit.

Count seven alleged that in November to December 2018, Malami and Asabe concealed N700 million used to purchase No. 3 Onitsha Crescent, Garki, Abuja (Hamonia Hotels Ltd).

In count eight, between September and December 2020, the duo and Asabe allegedly concealed N850 million to buy a property in Jabi District, Abuja (Meethaq Hotels Ltd).

Count nine stated that in February 2018, Malami and Hajia Bashir acquired No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja, for N430 million, allegedly from unlawful sources.

In count 10, the pair allegedly concealed N210 million in February 2018 to purchase a property in Asokoro District, Abuja.

Count 11 alleged that between March and June 2021, they concealed N325 million used to acquire No. 1241B Asokoro District, Abuja.

In count 12, the EFCC alleged that between November 2015 and January 2016, the duo concealed N120 million used to purchase No. 27 Efab Estate, Gwarimpa, Abuja.

Count 13 alleged that in November 2022, the ex-AGF, his son, and Asabe conspired to hide funds used to acquire a luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja.

In count 14, between December 2016 and April 2022, Malami, Asabe, and others allegedly “conspired to acquire additional properties” for Malami with proceeds of unlawful activity.

Count 15 alleged that between June 2023 and January 2023, Malami allegedly concealed “N537 million used to purchase multiple properties across Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano.”

In count 16, the EFCC alleged that between October 2018 and December 2021, Malami concealed “N415 million used to acquire several properties in Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano.”

The EFCC said it planned to call several witnesses, including commission staff, bank representatives, Bureau de Change operators and other financial experts.

Key witnesses include Folarin Dare, Chinedu Eneanya, Sani Lukeman, Abdulrahman Musa Basheer, Jamilu Mohammed, and representatives of Zenith Bank Plc and Sterling Bank Plc.

Folarin Dare, Chinedu Eneanya, and Sani Lukeman are expected to testify on how the EFCC received intelligence and petitions of alleged monumental corruption against the former minister.

Abdulrahman Musa Basheer is to provide evidence on Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd’s role in allegedly purchasing property for Malami.

Source: NAN

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The post Alleged money laundering: EFCC to arraign ex-AGF, son today appeared first on Frontpageng.

A source from the commission who confirmed the development, said that Malami was still in the custody till 10.00p.m on Tuesday for failing to meet the bail requirement.

The former minister has been asked by the anti-graft agency to clear himself of issues relating to money laundering, especially operation of suspicious accounts.

”We have detained him over terrorism financing and the whereabouts of Abacha loot recovered from Switzerland and Island of Jersey in the UK.

”He would remain in custody until he fulfils the requirements.

“We arrested him for not meeting his bail conditions and he will remain in our custody until he meets those conditions.

“He is presently in our custody. He was initially granted bail but did not meet the conditions. The offences against him are many,” the EFCC source said.

The commission had asked the former minister to be appearing daily for interrogation throughout December.

”Presently, we are investigating him for 18 different offences. Some of them are money laundering, abuse of office and terrorism financing.

”We cannot put a figure to the amount involved now because we keep uncovering some of the deals as we investigate,” the source disclosed.

Malami had insisted that allegations against him were “fabricated.”

”For the avoidance of doubt, my public record in office stands in direct contradiction to any insinuation of complicity in terrorism financing.

”During my tenure as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, I worked with other arms of government and relevant institutions to strengthen—not weaken—Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework against money laundering and the financing of terrorism,” he said.

Source: NAN

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