The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday over alleged money laundering and unlawful acquisition of assets.
The planned arraignment was confirmed late Monday by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, during a telephone conversation with The PUNCH.
“Yes, Malami will be arraigned tomorrow before Justice Emeka Nwite,” Oyewale said.
Malami, who served for eight years under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is expected to take his plea on a 16-count charge filed by the anti-graft agency before Justice Emeka Nwite.
Also listed as co-defendants in the case are his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, alongside another individual.
According to the charge, the EFCC alleged that the defendants jointly conspired at different times to conceal, retain and disguise proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to several billions of naira.
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The commission further accused them of using corporate entities and multiple bank accounts to launder funds, keeping huge sums of cash as collateral for loans, and acquiring high-value properties located in Abuja, Kano and other parts of the country.
The EFCC stated that some of the alleged offences were committed while Malami was serving as Attorney-General of the Federation, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Malami and the other defendants are expected to formally enter their pleas when the matter is called for arraignment on Tuesday.