RismadarVoice Reporters
January 7, 2026
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, sternly warned counsel and litigants involved in the trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to desist from attempting to approach him for favours.
The judge cautioned that his perceived leniency should not be mistaken for weakness, stressing that he would not tolerate any act capable of compromising the integrity of the court.
“I want to admonish, warn counsels and litigants that they should know the type of court they are appearing before. All judges are not the same. Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing with any case, do not approach me,” Justice Nwite warned.
He added that the best service lawyers could render to their clients was diligent legal representation, not undue influence.
“The law cannot be bent in this court. Any attempt to tarnish my name will be resisted and dealt with. I warned, I warned, and I warned!” he declared.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Malami alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, over alleged money laundering offences involving ₦8,713,923,759.49.
The defendants are facing a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
One of the charges alleges that Malami and his son procured Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal the unlawful origin of ₦1,014,848,500 lodged in a Sterling Bank account between July 2022 and June 2025.
Another count alleges that the defendants conspired to disguise the source of ₦1,049,173,926.13 paid through the Union Bank account of Meethaq Hotels Limited, Jabi, between November 2022 and September 2024.
The EFCC also accused Malami and his son of indirectly taking control of ₦1,362,887,872.96, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
Earlier, Justice Nwite granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be landed property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa, and are required to depose to affidavits of means.
The court further ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports, submit passport photographs, and remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until all bail conditions are perfected.
Justice Nwite adjourned the case to February 17, 2026, for continuation of trial.
