RismadarVoice Reporters, April 20, 2026
Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday admitted nine documentary exhibits tendered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami.
The exhibits were admitted by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik as part of proceedings in the amended 16-count charge against the defendants, which borders on alleged conspiracy, money laundering, and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to N8.71 billion.
The documents were presented through the fourth prosecution witness, Mashelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc, who testified on the bank’s response to EFCC’s request for account records linked to the defendants and associated companies.
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, J.S. Okutepa, SAN, the witness told the court that his responsibilities include handling correspondence from law enforcement agencies and providing requested financial documents.
He confirmed that Zenith Bank supplied both electronic and hard copies of account records relating to the defendants and firms including Rayhaan Hotels Limited, Rayhaan Bustan Agro Allied Limited, Nashab Limited, Golden Age Global Ventures, and Rahamaniyya Properties Limited.
“My lord, the documents are nine,” the witness stated, affirming his ability to identify them.
Despite an objection by defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, the court admitted the documents, dated between July 19, 2024, and March 12, 2026, as Exhibits D1 to D9.
Under further examination by prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, the witness provided details of financial transactions contained in the exhibits, including account opening documents and statements linked to Malami and his law firm, A.A. Malami & Co.
According to the witness, one of the accounts recorded transactions spanning from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2023, with significant inflows and outflows over the period.
He told the court that total credits into one account between 2016 and 2023 stood at over N383 million, while earlier transactions between 2012 and 2015 reflected over N560 million in credits. He also highlighted several large inflows, including N622.5 million from Rayhaan Bustan Agro Allied Limited in June 2022 and multiple N250 million transfers from Rayhaan Hotels Limited in July 2022.
The witness further detailed other transactions running into billions of naira across the accounts under review.
Following the testimony, defence counsel requested an adjournment to enable proper examination of the exhibits ahead of cross-examination.
Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and adjourned the case until May 13, 2026, for continuation of trial.
