The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will arraign former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday over alleged money laundering and unlawful acquisition of assets.
Malami, who served eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari, will face a 16-count charge filed by the EFCC. His son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and another individual are also listed as co-defendants.
The charges allege that the defendants conspired at various times to conceal, retain, and disguise proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to several billions of naira. The EFCC claims the offences involved using companies and bank accounts to launder funds, retaining large sums of cash as collateral for loans, and acquiring high-value properties in Abuja, Kano, and other locations.
Some of the alleged offences reportedly occurred while Malami was serving as Attorney-General, which would be contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Malami and the other defendants are expected to enter their pleas during the arraignment scheduled for Tuesday before Justice Emeka Nwite.
