Nigerian Charges Ex-Minister Malami Over Multi-Billion Naira Money Laundering

Nigeria’s former attorney general and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, has been formally charged with money laundering and conspiracy involving billions of naira, according to court filings submitted by the country’s anti-corruption agency.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a 16-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing Malami, his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and Hajia Bashir Asabe of concealing and disguising the origin of funds allegedly linked to unlawful activities over ten years.

Prosecutors allege that the accused used a network of corporate bank accounts and high-value property acquisitions to mask transactions exceeding 8 billion naira, equivalent to about 5.5 million dollars. Court documents list several properties said to have been acquired through the scheme, including a luxury duplex in Maitama, hotels in Jabi, and plots of land in Gwarimpa and Asokoro, all within Abuja.

The EFCC further alleged that Asabe is connected to a property firm linked to Malami, which investigators believe was used as a vehicle for the transactions.

All three defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court on Tuesday.

The presiding judge ordered that they be remanded in EFCC custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for January 2.

Malami served as Nigeria’s chief law officer from 2015 to 2023 under former president Muhammadu Buhari. The case marks one of the most high-profile legal actions involving a former senior official of the previous administration.

SOURCE: Punch