Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has issued a warning to lawyers and litigants appearing before him in the high-profile money laundering trial of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, declaring himself “unapproachable” for any form of solicitation.
The warning was delivered on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, shortly after the judge granted stringent bail conditions to Malami, his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami.
“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,” Justice Nwite stated. “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.”
He emphasised that his previous leniency should not be mistaken for weakness, adding, “So, I want to warn each and every litigant and lawyer appearing before this court that they should understand the way this court works. Please, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Any attempt to tarnish my name will be resisted and dealt with. I warned, I warned, and I warned!”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the trio on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities to the tune of ₦8,713,923,759.49 (Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Thirteen Million, Nine Hundred and Twenty-Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Nine Naira, Forty-Nine Kobo).
The charges, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, detail complex financial transactions. One count alleges Malami and his son procured a company, Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, to conceal over ₦1 billion in a Sterling Bank account. Another count accuses all three defendants of conspiring to disguise another ₦1 billion through the account of Meethaq Hotels Limited.
Earlier in the proceedings, Justice Nwite granted each defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000,000 (Five Hundred Million Naira) with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be owners of landed property in high-brow areas of Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa within Abuja, with their documents verified and deposited with the court.
The judge also ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court and barred them from travelling abroad without judicial permission. They are to remain in the Kuje Correctional Centre until their bail conditions are perfected.
The case has been adjourned to February 17, 2026, for the continuation of trial. Justice Nwite’s forceful warning sets a definitive tone for the proceedings, underscoring the court’s determination to ensure the trial is conducted without any perception of external influence.
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