EFCC Re-arraigns Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami, Wife and Son on 16-Count Money Laundering Charges

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz Malami, over alleged money laundering offences.

The trio were re-arraigned on Friday before Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, following the reassignment of the case to a new trial judge.

At the resumed hearing, EFCC counsel, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendants’ re-arraignment and formally applied for their pleas to be taken. He also sought corrections to the charge sheet, requesting that the figures in Counts 11 and 12 be amended to ₦325 million (from ₦325 billion) and ₦120 million (from ₦120 billion), respectively.

The application, which was not opposed by defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), was granted by Justice Abdulmalik.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all 16 counts preferred against them by the anti-graft agency, bordering on money laundering.

The case has undergone multiple judicial reassignments. It was previously before Emeka Nwite, who handled it during the Christmas/New Year vacation period. After the break, the matter was reassigned to Obiora Egwuatu, who later recused himself, leading to its transfer to Justice Abdulmalik.

Malami, his wife and son were initially arraigned in December 2025 under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025. At the time, Malami and his son were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, while Asabe Bashir was held at Suleja Correctional Centre. They were later granted bail of ₦500 million each, with two sureties in like sum.

The trial is expected to continue as the EFCC proceeds with its prosecution of the former justice minister and his family over the alleged financial crimes.