Malami Trial Takes Dramatic Turn as Judge Alleges Attempted Bribery, Issues Stern Warning

The trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, took a dramatic turn on Wednesday after the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, alleged attempts by unidentified persons to improperly influence his decision.

Justice Nwite made the disclosure shortly after granting Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, bail to the tune of ₦1.5 billion in their ongoing money laundering case.

Malami, who served as Nigeria’s Justice Minister between November 11, 2015, and May 29, 2023, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, is facing a 16-count charge alongside his co-defendants. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged that the defendants laundered public funds totalling about ₦9 billion.

According to the anti-graft agency, Malami allegedly concealed proceeds of crime by acquiring high-value properties in Abuja, Kebbi and Kano states. EFCC further told the court that between July 2022 and June 2025, the defendants used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to hide over ₦1.01 billion in a Sterling Bank account.

They were also accused of using the same company to siphon about ₦600 million between September 2020 and February 2021. Additionally, EFCC alleged that the defendants retained ₦600 million in March 2021 as cash collateral for a ₦500 million loan obtained by Rayhaan Hotels Ltd from Sterling Bank, despite allegedly knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

While ruling on the bail application, Justice Nwite issued a stern warning against attempts to compromise the court.

“Before I conclude this proceeding, I want to admonish both parties and litigants that they should know the type of court they are appearing before,” the judge said.

“All judges are not the same. Irrespective of the fact that I am familiarising with you, when I am doing any case, please, don’t approach me.

“The best you can do for your client is to get the best lawyer. The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned.

“So, I want to warn each and every one of you, litigants and lawyers appearing before this court, that they should understand the way this court works.

“Please, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Any attempt to try my leniency will be resisted and dealt with. I warn, I warn and I warn,” Justice Nwite added.

As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered each defendant to provide two sureties in the same sum, who must own landed property in Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarinpa districts of the Federal Capital Territory. The defendants were also directed to submit their international passports, while the sureties must provide title documents, two recent passport photographs and an affidavit of means.

Justice Nwite further warned that the defendants must not travel outside Nigeria without the court’s permission and ordered that they remain in custody until all bail conditions are perfected. The matter was adjourned until February 17 for trial.

Among those expected to testify for the prosecution are EFCC investigators, bank officials, real estate agents and Bureau de Change operators.

Malami was arrested by the EFCC on December 8, 2025, after honouring an invitation from the commission. He later accused the agency of arbitrarily revoking an administrative bail earlier granted to him, alleging that the decision followed his attendance at a political rally in Kebbi State, which he claimed suggested political motivation behind his prosecution.

Some of the charges against the defendants include allegations that they procured companies to conceal over ₦1.01 billion and ₦600 million in Sterling Bank accounts, retained ₦600 million as cash collateral for a loan, and disguised ₦500 million allegedly used to purchase a luxury duplex in Maitama, Abuja, in violation of provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Acts of 2011 and 2022.

Opinion Nigeria News