https://www.lawyard.org/news/fg-files-16-count-money-laundering-charge-against-former-agf-abubakar-malami-son-and-associate/

The Federal Government has instituted a 16‑count criminal charge against Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, over allegations of money laundering and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activity.

The charge, filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, also lists Malami’s son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and Bashir Asabe, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, as co‑defendants.

According to the particulars of offence, the defendants are alleged to have procured companies and bank accounts to conceal funds running into billions of naira between 2018 and 2025. Specific allegations include:

– Concealment of ₦1.014 billion and ₦600 million through Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd and Sterling Bank accounts.

– Disguising the unlawful origin of ₦500 million used to acquire luxury property in Maitama, Abuja.

– Conspiracy to launder ₦1.049 billion via Meethaq Hotels Ltd accounts in Union Bank.

– Control of ₦1.362 billion suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

– Concealment of ₦700 million linked to Hamonia Hotels Ltd, Area 11, Garki.

– Concealment of ₦850 million for property acquisition in Jabi District.

The prosecution asserts that these acts contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, with penalties prescribed under sections 15 and 18 of the statutes.

In addition, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has traced 41 properties valued at approximately ₦212.89 billion to Malami and his son. These assets include hotels, schools, residential estates, lands, and a printing press across Kebbi, Kano, and the FCT.

The matter underscores the government’s reliance on statutory anti‑money laundering frameworks to prosecute high‑profile cases involving public officials and their associates.