EFCC charges ex-Attorney-General Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son Abdulaziz, and an associate with 16 counts of money laundering, alleging N9bn laundered and acquisition of properties worth N212.8bn during his tenure. Non-conviction forfeiture possible
EFCC Slams Ex-AGF Malami with 16-Count Money Laundering Charge: N9bn Laundered, N212bn Properties in Crosshairs
In a major escalation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 16-count charge accusing former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son Abdulaziz Malami, and Hajia Bashir Asabe—an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited—of money laundering.
The charges, filed on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, allege that the defendants laundered approximately N9 billion through corporate entities such as Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, Meethaq Hotels Ltd, and Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd. These funds were reportedly used to conceal, retain, convert, and disguise proceeds of unlawful activities via bank transactions and high-value real estate purchases.
Key allegations include:
- Using proxies to acquire luxury properties in prime locations like Maitama, Asokoro, Jabi, Gwarimpa, and Garki in Abuja, as well as in Kebbi and Kano states.
- Transactions dating back to 2015, shortly after Malami assumed office, and continuing through 2025.
- Specific counts reference hundreds of millions in cash collateral for bank loans, including a N500 million luxury duplex in Maitama.
The EFCC has traced no fewer than 41 properties (often reported as around 30 prime ones) to Malami and his associates, with a combined estimated value of N212.8 billion to N212.89 billion. These assets span hotels, residential estates, schools, factories, a printing press, and more, primarily linked to Malami’s eight-year tenure (2015–2023) under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The commission is considering invoking Non-Conviction Based Asset Forfeiture provisions under the EFCC Act, which could lead to a 14-day public notice challenging anyone claiming interest in the properties to explain why they should not be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The defendants have not yet entered a plea, and no arraignment date has been confirmed as of December 24, 2025. Legal analysts describe this as potentially one of the most significant post-tenure corruption cases involving a former chief law officer, whose role constitutionally demands upholding the rule of law.
Malami has previously denied wrongdoing in related EFCC probes, including allegations tied to Abacha loot recoveries, and called for the EFCC chairman’s recusal. The case underscores intensified scrutiny of high-profile figures from the previous administration. Read More
, his son Abdulaziz, and an associate with 16 counts of money laundering){kind=link}