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Former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, his son, and one of his wives have been ordered into custody pending a bail ruling.
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The trio is facing a 16-count charge filed by the EFCC over alleged money laundering and asset concealment.
- The court ruled that they remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until their bail applications are heard.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), along with his son and one of his wives, at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The order was issued on Tuesday by Justice Emeka Nwite, who directed that the defendants be taken into custody pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications.
READ ALSO:Malami, Son Face 16-Count Money Laundering Charges in Abuja Court
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Malami, his son Abubakar Malami, and his wife Bashir Asabe are currently standing trial on a 16-count charge instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on alleged money laundering and related financial offences.
The court’s decision followed arguments presented by counsel to both parties, with Joseph Daudu (SAN) representing the defence and Ekele Iheneacho (SAN) leading the prosecution team for the EFCC.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly engaged in a series of coordinated transactions aimed at concealing, retaining, and disguising proceeds believed to have been derived from unlawful activities, running into several billions of naira.
The EFCC further alleged that the offences involved the use of multiple corporate entities and bank accounts to move funds, the use of substantial cash sums as loan collateral, and the purchase of high-value properties located in Abuja, Kano, and other parts of the country.
Prosecutors also told the court that some of the alleged acts were committed during Malami’s tenure as Nigeria’s chief law officer, in violation of existing anti-money laundering laws.
The charges are said to contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended, as well as the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Justice Nwite ruled that all three defendants remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre until their bail applications are formally considered on a later date.
