By MOHAMMED DANBABA
A dramatic moment unfolded at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday as Justice Emeka Nwite issued a stern and public warning to lawyers involved in the high-profile trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).
The judge made it unmistakably clear that any attempt to influence the court or tarnish his integrity would be forcefully resisted, sending a strong signal amid growing public interest in the case.
The warning came as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues its prosecution of Malami, alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, over alleged money laundering offences amounting to ₦8.7 billion.
Judge Draws the Line in Open Court
Justice Nwite, visibly firm, cautioned counsel and litigants against approaching him for personal favours, stressing that his familiarity with members of the Bar should never be mistaken for weakness.
According to a statement released by the EFCC, the judge said:
“I want to admonish and warn counsels and litigants that they should know the type of court they are appearing before. All judges are not the same.”
He continued, insisting that legal representation — not personal influence — remains the only acceptable path to justice in his court.
“Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing with any case, do not approach me. The best you can do for your clients is to get the best lawyers in this country. The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned.”
In a rare show of judicial firmness, Justice Nwite added:
“Any attempt to tarnish my name will be resisted and dealt with. I warn, I warn, and I warn!”
The statement immediately resonated beyond the courtroom, reinforcing public confidence in judicial independence amid Nigeria’s long-running battle against corruption.
EFCC’s Case Against Malami and Family
The EFCC alleges that Malami and his co-defendants engaged in a complex web of financial transactions designed to disguise and launder proceeds of unlawful activities between 2022 and 2025.
The defendants are facing a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procurement, concealment, and laundering of illicit funds, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Prosecutors allege that the accused used corporate vehicles and multiple bank accounts to move funds whose origins they “reasonably ought to have known” were unlawful.
Key Charges Explained
One of the major allegations, contained in Count One, accuses Malami and his son of procuring Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal the unlawful origin of ₦1.014 billion lodged in a Sterling Bank Plc account between July 2022 and June 2025.
The charge states that the act contravened Section 21(c) of the Money Laundering Act and carries penalties under Section 18(3) of the same law.
In Count Five, the EFCC alleges that Malami, his son, and his wife conspired in September 2024 to disguise the origin of ₦1.049 billion paid through the Union Bank account of Meethaq Hotels Limited, Jabi, over a two-year period.
Another serious allegation, detailed in Count Six, accuses Malami and his son of indirectly taking control of ₦1.36 billion paid through Meethaq Hotels’ savings account, despite allegedly knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.
Court Grants ₦500 Million Bail — With Heavy Conditions
Earlier in the proceedings, Justice Nwite granted each defendant bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties in like sum.
However, the court imposed stringent conditions aimed at ensuring compliance and preventing flight.
The sureties must be landed property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa, with their property documents verified and deposited with the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation). Additionally, the defendants were ordered to:
Deposit their international passports with the court
Seek court permission before traveling abroad
Submit two recent passport photographs each
Remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until all bail conditions are fully perfected
The residences of the sureties must also be verified by the court registrar before release.
Trial Adjourned as Spotlight Intensifies
Justice Nwite has adjourned the matter until February 17, 2026, for continuation of trial.
As proceedings move forward, the case is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched corruption trials involving a former top-ranking legal officer of the federation.
Beyond the allegations, the judge’s blunt courtroom warning has added another layer to the unfolding drama — one that underscores a judiciary keen to assert its independence in the face of public pressure and high-profile defendants.
For many observers, the message was unmistakable: the courtroom is no place for influence-peddling — only the law will speak.
#MalamiTrial #EFCC #NigeriaJudiciary #MoneyLaundering #FederalHighCourt #AntiCorruption #BreakingNews #NigeriaPolitics
