Economic and Financial Crimes Commission re-arraigns Abubakar Malami, wife, son over alleged money laundering

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his wife, Asabe Bashir, and their son, Abdulaziz, over alleged money laundering offences.

The defendants were re-arraigned on Friday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja following the reassignment of the case to the new trial judge.

Fresh Arraignment Before New Judge

At the resumed hearing, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), counsel to the EFCC, informed the court that the matter was appearing for the first time before Justice Abdulmalik after being transferred from another court.

Okutepa subsequently applied for the defendants’ pleas to be retaken in accordance with judicial procedure, since a new judge had taken over the case. The court granted the request, and the charges were read to Malami and his co-defendants.

They pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

Allegations

The anti-graft agency is prosecuting the former AGF and his family members over financial transactions it alleges violate Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws. The charges reportedly relate to the handling and movement of substantial funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Specific details of the counts were presented in court as part of the re-arraignment process.

Background

Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The case has drawn significant public attention due to his former role as the nation’s chief law officer.

Legal analysts note that re-arraignment is standard procedure whenever a criminal matter is reassigned to a new judge to ensure compliance with due process.

Next Steps

Following the re-arraignment, the court adjourned the matter to a later date for continuation of trial. The EFCC is expected to call witnesses as proceedings advance.

More details are expected as the case unfolds.