‘I am unapproachable,’ judge warns counsel in Malami’s trial
A Federal High Court judge in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday declared that he was “unapproachable” as he warned counsel and litigants in the ongoing trial of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, against seeking any form of favour from the court.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who is presiding over the case, said his disposition should not be mistaken for weakness, stressing that no lawyer or litigant should attempt to influence the proceedings under any guise.
The judge cautioned legal practitioners to concentrate on diligent and professional representation of their clients, noting that the law would not be bent in his court and that any attempt to tarnish his integrity would be firmly resisted.
Malami is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, over alleged money laundering offences amounting to ₦8.71 billion.
The defendants are facing a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
According to the charges, Malami and his son allegedly concealed more than ₦1 billion through corporate accounts, while another count accuses Malami, his wife and son of conspiring to disguise over ₦1.04 billion paid through the account of Meethaq Hotels Limited.
Justice Nwite had earlier granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties in like sum, who must be landed property owners in Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarimpa, with their documents verified by the court.
The court ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports and remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until their bail conditions are perfected, and adjourned the case until February 17, 2026, for continuation of trial.
