Former AGF Abubakar Malami, his son and an associate have pleaded not guilty to a 16-count EFCC charge over alleged ₦8.7bn money laundering and property acquisitions across Abuja, Kano and Kebbi
Malami, Son Plead Not Guilty as EFCC Unveils 16-Count, ₦8.7bn Money Laundering Case
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son, Abubakar Malami, and an associate have pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The trio were arraigned on Tuesday before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the EFCC accused them of conspiring to launder funds and illegally acquire properties valued at over ₦8.7 billion across Abuja, Kano and Kebbi states.
Also standing trial alongside the former justice minister is Hajia Bashir Asabe, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, a real estate firm allegedly linked to Malami.
Details of the Charges
According to court documents, the EFCC alleged that Malami and his son used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal ₦1.014 billion lodged in a Sterling Bank account between July 2022 and June 2025. The anti-graft agency further claimed that an additional ₦600.01 million was deposited through the same channel between September 2020 and February 2021.
The commission accused the defendants of disguising the origin of illicit funds, retaining proceeds of unlawful activities, and acquiring properties through proxies and corporate entities, contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022.
Luxury Properties Listed
Among the properties allegedly acquired with unlawful proceeds are:
A luxury duplex on Amazon Street, Maitama, reportedly purchased for ₦500 million
A property on Onitsha Crescent, Garki, valued at ₦700 million
A property in Jabi District, acquired for ₦850 million
Real estate on Rhine Street, Maitama (₦430 million)
Two properties in Asokoro District (₦210 million and ₦325 million)
A house at Efab Estate, Gwarimpa, valued at ₦120 million
The EFCC further alleged that between 2018 and 2023, Malami deployed illicit funds amounting to ₦952 million to acquire additional properties in Abuja, Kano and Birnin Kebbi.
Specific Allegations
In the 16 counts filed, the EFCC detailed alleged acts ranging from concealing funds through corporate accounts, using cash collateral for bank loans with illicit proceeds, and orchestrating property purchases through hotel companies and real estate firms to obscure ownership.
Prosecution Strategy
The anti-graft agency disclosed plans to call multiple witnesses, including EFCC officials, bank representatives, Bureau de Change operators and financial experts.
Named witnesses include Folarin Dare, Chinedu Eneanya, Sani Lukeman, Abdulrahman Musa Basheer, Jamilu Mohammed, as well as officials from Zenith Bank Plc and Sterling Bank Plc.
According to the EFCC, some witnesses will testify on intelligence reports and petitions alleging large-scale corruption against the former minister, while others are expected to explain the alleged role of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd in acquiring properties on Malami’s behalf.
The matter has been adjourned for further proceedings. Read More
