By Ademola Adekusibe
24th December 2025
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering against a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Bashir Asabe.
In the charge, filed before a Federal High Court, the EFCC alleged that Malami laundered about ₦9 billion through various companies and accounts to acquire multiple high-value properties in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and other locations. The commission further alleged that the former AGF could not satisfactorily account for over 30 properties valued at about ₦212.8 billion, most of which were acquired during his tenure in office between 2015 and 2023.
The EFCC stated that the charges are the first in a series and disclosed that it may invoke the non-conviction-based asset forfeiture provision of its Establishment Act to seize some of the properties. The commission has a 14-day window to invite interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be forfeited to the Federal Government.
According to the charge sheet, Malami allegedly used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, Meethaq Hotels Limited, and other entities to conceal, retain, transfer, and disguise the unlawful origin of funds believed to be proceeds of corruption.
The 16 charges include allegations that:
1. Malami and his son procured Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal ₦1.014 billion between July 2022 and June 2025.
2. They concealed ₦600 million between September 2020 and February 2021 through the same company.
3. They retained ₦600 million as cash collateral for a ₦500 million loan to Rayhaan Hotels Ltd.
4. Malami, his son, and Hajia Bashir Asabe disguised ₦500 million used to purchase a luxury duplex in Maitama, Abuja.
5. The trio conspired to disguise ₦1.049 billion paid through Meethaq Hotels Ltd accounts between 2022 and 2024.
6. Malami and his son indirectly controlled ₦1.36 billion through Meethaq Hotels Ltd accounts.
7. Malami and Hajia Bashir Asabe concealed ₦700 million used to purchase a property in Area 11, Garki, Abuja.
8. They concealed ₦850 million used to acquire property in Jabi District, Abuja.
9. They acquired a Maitama property for ₦430 million believed to be proceeds of unlawful activity.
10. They concealed ₦210 million used to purchase property in Asokoro District, Abuja.
11. They concealed ₦325 million used to acquire property on Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro.
12. They concealed ₦120 million used to acquire property in Gwarimpa, Abuja.
13. They conspired to conceal funds used to purchase a luxury duplex in Maitama.
14. They conspired between 2016 and 2022 to acquire multiple landed properties with proceeds of unlawful activity.
15. Malami concealed ₦537 million used to purchase properties in Abuja, Birnin Kebbi, and Kano.
16. He concealed ₦415 million used to acquire multiple properties in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi State.
The EFCC said the alleged offences contravene various provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
No plea has been taken yet, and the case is expected to proceed in court on a date to be fixed.
