Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday issued a stern warning to lawyers appearing in the high-profile trial of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and two family members. The judge emphasized that his leniency should not be mistaken for weakness.
“All judges are not the same. Regardless of my familiarity with you, when I am handling a case, do not approach me. The best thing you can do for your clients is to hire the best lawyers in the country. The law cannot be bent in this court,” Justice Nwite stated.
He further cautioned that any attempt to tarnish his reputation would be met with strict resistance. “Any attempt to tarnish my name will be resisted and dealt with. I warned, I warned, and I warned!” he added.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Malami, his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, and son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami over alleged money laundering totaling N8.71 billion. The trio faces a 16-count charge, including conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Notable allegations include:
- Count 1: Malami and his son allegedly used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal N1.01 billion in a Sterling Bank account between July 2022 and June 2025.
- Count 5: The family is accused of conspiring to disguise N1.05 billion transferred through the Union Bank account of Meethaq Hotels Limited between November 2022 and September 2024.
- Count 6: Between November 2022 and October 2025, Malami and his son allegedly took indirect control of N1.36 billion in the same account, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.
Earlier in the proceedings, the court granted bail of N500 million each to the defendants, with two sureties in like sum, who must provide affidavits of means.
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