The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), with multiple counts of money laundering, marking what observers have described as one of the most high-profile corruption trials in recent times.
Malami is to face a 16-count charge bordering on alleged laundering of billions of naira, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
He was charged alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Bashir Asabe.
According to the charge sheet, dated December 23, 2025, Malami allegedly laundered about ₦9 billion to acquire prime properties in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and other locations across the country.
The EFCC further alleged that the former Attorney-General is to account for about 30 houses, valued at approximately ₦212.8 billion, most of which were reportedly acquired during his eight-year tenure under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The anti-graft agency indicated that it may invoke the Non-Conviction Based Asset Forfeiture provisions of its Establishment Act to seize some of the properties. Under the law, the commission has a 14-day window to invite interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The EFCC is currently awaiting a date from the Federal High Court, Abuja, for the commencement of trial.
In what is shaping up as a major legal battle, the prosecution team is led by senior advocates Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) and Ekene Iheanacho (SAN), alongside 14 other lawyers. No fewer than 10 witnesses have been frontloaded in compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
The charge sheet details how Malami allegedly used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal and disguise the origin of illicit funds running into billions of naira through Sterling Bank accounts.
One of the counts alleged that between July 2022 and June 2025, Malami and his son procured Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal the unlawful origin of ₦1.014 billion, which the EFCC said the defendants reasonably ought to have known were proceeds of unlawful activities.
Other counts accused Malami, while serving as Attorney-General, of laundering ₦600 million between September 2020 and February 2021, retaining ₦600 million as cash collateral for a ₦500 million loan to Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, and disguising ₦500 million used to purchase a luxury duplex in Maitama, Abuja, through Rahamaniyya Properties Limited.
The EFCC maintained that the transactions violated various provisions of Nigeria’s money laundering laws and are punishable under the relevant sections of the Acts.
The case is expected to draw significant public attention as proceedings begin.
