Don’t Approach Me To Bend The Law Judge Warns Lawyers In Ex-AGF Malami’s ₦8.7Billion Money Laundering Trial
January 7, 2026 – Abuja
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, issued a stern warning to lawyers and litigants involved in the high-profile trial of former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami. The case, instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), concerns alleged money laundering involving over ₦8.7 billion.
Justice Nwite cautioned that any attempt to approach him for personal favours or undue influence would be resisted. “All judges are not the same. Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing with any case, do not approach me. The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned,” he said, stressing that proper legal representation, not backdoor contacts, is the legitimate way for lawyers to serve clients. He further warned that attempts to compromise the court’s integrity or tarnish his name would be firmly dealt with, emphasizing, “I warned, I warned, and I warned!”
The EFCC accused Malami, his wife, and son of conspiring to procure, disguise, conceal, and launder proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. They face a 16-count charge involving conspiracy and multiple forms of money laundering.
Among the allegations, the EFCC claimed that between July 2022 and June 2025, Malami and his son used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal ₦1,014,848,500 lodged in a Sterling Bank account, funds allegedly known to be proceeds of unlawful activities. Another charge alleges that the trio conspired in September 2024 to disguise the origin of ₦1,049,173,926.13 paid through the Union Bank account of Meethaq Hotels Limited, Jabi. The agency also alleged that Malami and his son indirectly controlled ₦1,362,887,872.96 paid into the same company’s Union Bank savings account between November 2022 and October 2025.
Earlier, Justice Nwite granted the defendants bail of ₦500 million each, with two sureties each. The sureties were required to submit affidavits of means.
This trial has drawn attention not only because of the substantial sums involved but also due to Malami’s prominent former position as AGF and Minister of Justice, which amplified public scrutiny over corruption and the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial processes. Observers note the judge’s firm admonition reflects ongoing efforts to maintain judicial independence and prevent interference in politically sensitive cases.
Malami’s legal team is expected to proceed with formal defense submissions while adhering strictly to court procedure. The EFCC, meanwhile, continues its investigation into the flow and management of the alleged laundered funds, signaling a prolonged and closely monitored trial. The outcome is likely to influence public discourse on accountability for top government officials, money laundering enforcement, and the integrity of Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies.
January 7, 2026 – Abuja
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, issued a stern warning to lawyers and litigants involved in the high-profile trial of former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami. The case, instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), concerns alleged money laundering involving over ₦8.7 billion.
Justice Nwite cautioned that any attempt to approach him for personal favours or undue influence would be resisted. “All judges are not the same. Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing with any case, do not approach me. The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned,” he said, stressing that proper legal representation, not backdoor contacts, is the legitimate way for lawyers to serve clients. He further warned that attempts to compromise the court’s integrity or tarnish his name would be firmly dealt with, emphasizing, “I warned, I warned, and I warned!”
The EFCC accused Malami, his wife, and son of conspiring to procure, disguise, conceal, and launder proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. They face a 16-count charge involving conspiracy and multiple forms of money laundering.
Among the allegations, the EFCC claimed that between July 2022 and June 2025, Malami and his son used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal ₦1,014,848,500 lodged in a Sterling Bank account, funds allegedly known to be proceeds of unlawful activities. Another charge alleges that the trio conspired in September 2024 to disguise the origin of ₦1,049,173,926.13 paid through the Union Bank account of Meethaq Hotels Limited, Jabi. The agency also alleged that Malami and his son indirectly controlled ₦1,362,887,872.96 paid into the same company’s Union Bank savings account between November 2022 and October 2025.
Earlier, Justice Nwite granted the defendants bail of ₦500 million each, with two sureties each. The sureties were required to submit affidavits of means.
This trial has drawn attention not only because of the substantial sums involved but also due to Malami’s prominent former position as AGF and Minister of Justice, which amplified public scrutiny over corruption and the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial processes. Observers note the judge’s firm admonition reflects ongoing efforts to maintain judicial independence and prevent interference in politically sensitive cases.
Malami’s legal team is expected to proceed with formal defense submissions while adhering strictly to court procedure. The EFCC, meanwhile, continues its investigation into the flow and management of the alleged laundered funds, signaling a prolonged and closely monitored trial. The outcome is likely to influence public discourse on accountability for top government officials, money laundering enforcement, and the integrity of Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies.
Don’t Approach Me To Bend The Law Judge Warns Lawyers In Ex-AGF Malami’s ₦8.7Billion Money Laundering Trial
January 7, 2026 – Abuja
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, issued a stern warning to lawyers and litigants involved in the high-profile trial of former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami. The case, instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), concerns alleged money laundering involving over ₦8.7 billion.
Justice Nwite cautioned that any attempt to approach him for personal favours or undue influence would be resisted. “All judges are not the same. Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing with any case, do not approach me. The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned,” he said, stressing that proper legal representation, not backdoor contacts, is the legitimate way for lawyers to serve clients. He further warned that attempts to compromise the court’s integrity or tarnish his name would be firmly dealt with, emphasizing, “I warned, I warned, and I warned!”
The EFCC accused Malami, his wife, and son of conspiring to procure, disguise, conceal, and launder proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. They face a 16-count charge involving conspiracy and multiple forms of money laundering.
Among the allegations, the EFCC claimed that between July 2022 and June 2025, Malami and his son used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal ₦1,014,848,500 lodged in a Sterling Bank account, funds allegedly known to be proceeds of unlawful activities. Another charge alleges that the trio conspired in September 2024 to disguise the origin of ₦1,049,173,926.13 paid through the Union Bank account of Meethaq Hotels Limited, Jabi. The agency also alleged that Malami and his son indirectly controlled ₦1,362,887,872.96 paid into the same company’s Union Bank savings account between November 2022 and October 2025.
Earlier, Justice Nwite granted the defendants bail of ₦500 million each, with two sureties each. The sureties were required to submit affidavits of means.
This trial has drawn attention not only because of the substantial sums involved but also due to Malami’s prominent former position as AGF and Minister of Justice, which amplified public scrutiny over corruption and the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial processes. Observers note the judge’s firm admonition reflects ongoing efforts to maintain judicial independence and prevent interference in politically sensitive cases.
Malami’s legal team is expected to proceed with formal defense submissions while adhering strictly to court procedure. The EFCC, meanwhile, continues its investigation into the flow and management of the alleged laundered funds, signaling a prolonged and closely monitored trial. The outcome is likely to influence public discourse on accountability for top government officials, money laundering enforcement, and the integrity of Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies.
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