Court Admits Nine Exhibits in N8.7 Billion Fraud Case Against Malami and Family
In a significant development in a high-profile corruption case, the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has admitted nine documentary exhibits against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami. The admission occurred during a court session presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing trial led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Details of the Exhibits and Charges
The EFCC, prosecuting the case, presented the exhibits through its fourth prosecution witness, Mashelia Arhyel Bata, a Compliance Officer with Zenith Bank Plc. Bata testified that he received correspondence from the EFCC requesting documents related to multiple accounts linked to the defendants and associated entities. In compliance, Zenith Bank provided both soft and hard copies of documents pertaining to accounts held by the defendants and several companies, including Rayhaan Hotels Limited, Rayhaan Bustan Agro Allied Limited, Nashab Limited, Golden Age Global Ventures, and Rahamaniyya Properties Limited.
The exhibits, dated between July 19, 2024, and March 12, 2026, were admitted as Exhibits D1 to D9 after an application by prosecution counsel J. S. Okutepa (SAN). Defence counsel J. B. Daudu (SAN) initially objected, noting that most dates were in March, but the court overruled the objection. Under further examination by prosecution counsel Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), Bata provided detailed transaction information from the exhibits, shedding light on the alleged financial activities.
Legal Proceedings and Adjournment
The defendants face an amended 16-count charge that includes conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to N8.7 billion. These charges are contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. After hearing arguments from all parties, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to May 13, 2026, for the continuation of the trial, allowing time for further examination and legal submissions.
This case underscores the EFCC's ongoing efforts to combat corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria, particularly involving high-profile individuals. The admission of these exhibits is expected to play a crucial role in establishing the prosecution's case, as the trial progresses in the coming months.
