Court Adjourns Malami’s Alleged N8.7bn Money Laundering Trial to June

The Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the alleged N8.7 billion money laundering trial involving former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife and son, until June 23, 2026.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter on Friday following an application by the defence seeking more time before continuation of the trial.

Malami, his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe and son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami are facing a 16-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged conspiracy and laundering of N8,713,923,759.49, contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel, J.S. Okutepa, SAN, informed the court that the matter was originally scheduled for continuation of proceedings before the defence submitted a formal request for adjournment.

Okutepa told the court that the application was conveyed through a letter from the law firm of J.B. Daudu & Co., dated May 20, 2026.

The senior advocate noted that although the prosecution considered opposing the request, it decided not to obstruct proceedings.

He, however, urged the court to take note of the number of adjournments already sought by the defence team in the course of the trial.

“We are not opposing, but we want my lord to note that the defendants have applied for adjournment once, meaning they have four adjournments left,” Okutepa told the court.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik observed that the absence of the lead defence counsel should not ordinarily halt proceedings, particularly considering the number of lawyers available within the counsel’s chambers.

The judge, however, granted the adjournment application and stated that the defendants still had room for additional adjournments under procedural provisions governing the case.

The trial was subsequently adjourned until June 23, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

The case remains one of the high-profile anti-corruption prosecutions currently before the Federal High Court, with the EFCC alleging large-scale financial transactions linked to the defendants.

Malami served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.