A Federal High Court in Abuja has pushed back the trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and two of his family members to June 23, 2026.
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Justice Joyce Abdulmalik approved the adjournment in the N8.7 billion money-laundering case filed against Malami, his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The trio faces 16 counts bordering on conspiracy, disguising, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities totalling over N8.7 billion — an alleged breach of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
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When the case came up for hearing, prosecution counsel J.S. Okutepa (SAN) told the court that despite the matter being scheduled for continuation, the defence had written to request a postponement. He said the prosecution would not oppose the request, but drew the court’s attention to the fact that the defendants had already used one of the five adjournments allowed under court practice.
Justice Abdulmalik acknowledged that the absence of lead defence counsel was insufficient grounds to stall proceedings, especially given the size of his legal team, but she granted the request nonetheless. “There is no reason to stall proceedings today. Be that as it may, since they have room for five adjournments, we will grant them this one,” she said.
The trial is next scheduled for June 23, 2026.
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