SUNTV Global Channel | December 24, 2025
The Federal Government has arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and an associate, Hajia Bashir Asabe, on 16 criminal counts bordering on money laundering, conspiracy, and unlawful acquisition of assets.
Court documents filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja allege that the defendants laundered ₦8.7 billion through a network of corporate fronts and proxies while Malami served as Nigeria’s chief law officer, and even after leaving office.
According to the charge sheet obtained by SUNTV Global Channel, prosecutors accused Malami and his co-defendants of using companies such as Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, and Meethaq Hotels Limited to conceal, retain, disguise, and convert proceeds of unlawful activities between 2015 and 2025.
The government alleged that over ₦1.01 billion was funneled through a Sterling Bank account belonging to Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited between July 2022 and June 2025, while an additional ₦600 million was allegedly concealed through the same account between September 2020 and February 2021.
In another count, prosecutors claimed that ₦600 million was used as cash collateral in March 2021 to secure a ₦500 million loan for Rayhaan Hotels Limited, despite the funds allegedly being of illicit origin.
The charge sheet further accused the defendants of disguising ₦500 million paid in November 2022 for the purchase of a luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja, as well as concealing over ₦1.04 billion and ₦1.36 billion through Meethaq Hotels Limited’s Union Bank account between 2022 and 2025.
Beyond cash transactions, the prosecution detailed an extensive property acquisition trail allegedly funded with illicit proceeds. These include high-value properties in Maitama, Asokoro, Jabi, Garki, Gwarimpa, as well as estates in Kebbi and Kano States.
Among the listed acquisitions are:
- ₦700 million for a property in Garki, Abuja (2018)
- ₦850 million for land in Jabi District, Abuja (2020)
- ₦430 million for a residence on Rhine Street, Maitama (2018)
- ₦325 million for property in Asokoro District, Abuja (2021)
- Multiple properties in Birnin Kebbi and Kano, including commercial plazas and large parcels of land
In total, investigators identified 30 properties allegedly linked to Malami and his associates, with an estimated combined value of ₦212.8 billion.
The prosecution stated that the alleged offences violate provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Malami and the other defendants are expected to answer to the charges as the trial proceeds. The case is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile corruption prosecutions involving a former top government official in recent years.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to follow developments in this case.
