The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.

Justice Emeka Nwite also ordered the remand of Malami’s co-defendants—his son, Abubakar Malami, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe—after hearing arguments from both the defence and the prosecution.

The ruling followed submissions by defence counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), and prosecuting counsel, Ekele Iheneacho (SAN), during the arraignment.

Malami and the co-defendants are facing a 16-count charge of alleged money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft agency alleges that the defendants conspired at various times to conceal, retain and disguise proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to several billions of naira.

According to the charge, the alleged offences span several years and involve the use of companies and bank accounts to launder funds, the retention of large sums of cash as collateral for loans, and the acquisition of high-value properties in Abuja, Kano and other locations.

The EFCC further alleges that some of the offences were committed while Malami was serving as Attorney-General of the Federation, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Justice Nwite adjourned the matter for the hearing of the defendants’ bail applications.