EFCC Arraigns Malami Son Over Alleged ₦212.8bn Property Laundering Scheme

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Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has initiated legal proceedings against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), over allegations linked to large-scale property-related money laundering.

The charges, which have drawn significant public attention, also involve Abdulaziz Malami, the former minister’s son, and Hajia Bashir Asabe, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited. Authorities claim the case centers on suspicious financial transactions and the acquisition of several high-value assets.

Nature of the Criminal Charges

According to court documents filed by the EFCC, the case consists of 16 separate counts tied to alleged violations of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws. Prosecutors argue that the accused individuals were involved in financial activities designed to conceal the origin of illicit funds.

The allegations were brought under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), particularly provisions that criminalize the concealment or disguise of proceeds derived from unlawful activity.

Properties and Alleged Financial Transactions

Investigators claim that several expensive properties located in different parts of Nigeria were acquired through funds suspected to be illegally obtained. Among the issues under investigation is the purchase of real estate assets across major cities including Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano.

Authorities believe that approximately ₦9 billion was used in acquiring a number of prime properties. In addition, Malami has reportedly been asked to account for around 30 houses, which investigators estimate collectively to be worth about ₦212.8 billion.

The EFCC alleges that many of these acquisitions took place during Malami’s eight-year tenure in office while serving in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Timeline of the Investigation and Legal Action

The charge sheet relating to the case was dated December 23, 2025, and filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court is expected to schedule a hearing date that will mark the beginning of the formal trial process.

Until then, investigators continue to examine financial records, corporate transactions, and property documents linked to the accused.

Possible Asset Seizure Measures

As part of its legal strategy, the EFCC may invoke provisions under its governing law that allow for non-conviction-based asset forfeiture. If implemented, this process would enable the commission to temporarily seize disputed properties while court proceedings are ongoing.

Interested individuals or entities connected to the assets could be given 14 days to demonstrate why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

Such measures are often used in corruption investigations where authorities suspect assets were purchased with unlawful funds.

Alleged Use of Corporate Channels

Court filings suggest that investigators believe certain companies were used to disguise the source of funds involved in the transactions. One of the entities mentioned is Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, which prosecutors claim may have been used as a conduit to move and conceal funds.

Authorities allege that between July 2022 and June 2025, the company was involved in financial arrangements used to mask the origin of more than ₦1.01 billion deposited into a Sterling Bank account.

Investigators argue that these transactions were structured to appear legitimate despite suspicions that the funds originated from illegal activities.

Specific Allegations in the Charges

Several financial transactions outlined in the charge sheet form the basis of the case. These include claims that:

About ₦600 million was allegedly concealed through banking transactions between September 2020 and February 2021.
Another ₦600 million was reportedly used as cash collateral for a ₦500 million loan granted to Rayhaan Hotels Ltd.
Approximately ₦500 million was allegedly used in the purchase of a luxury duplex in the Maitama district of Abuja.

Investigators claim the Maitama property transaction involved payments made to Efab Properties Ltd, and that the funds used were intentionally disguised to hide their alleged unlawful origin.

Composition of the Prosecution Team

The case is being handled by a high-profile legal team assembled by the EFCC. Leading the prosecution are Senior Advocates of Nigeria Jibrin Okutepa and Ekene Iheanacho, supported by a team of more than a dozen lawyers.

Prosecutors have also listed at least ten witnesses who are expected to testify once the trial begins. Their testimonies will likely address financial records, banking activities, and property acquisitions linked to the case.

Significance of the Case

Legal observers have described the proceedings as one of the most prominent corruption cases involving a former senior government official in recent years. Given Malami’s previous role as the nation’s chief law officer, the case has attracted widespread attention within political and legal circles.

If the allegations proceed to full trial, the court will be tasked with determining whether the transactions described in the charges constitute violations of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.

Commentary and Analysis

The charges against the former Attorney-General highlight the increasing scrutiny placed on public officials regarding financial transparency and asset acquisition. Anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria have in recent years intensified efforts to investigate alleged misuse of public office.

Cases involving senior political figures often generate strong public reactions because they test the strength of the country’s legal and accountability institutions. For the EFCC, successfully prosecuting complex financial crimes typically requires extensive evidence such as banking trails, property records, and witness testimonies.

At the same time, the legal principle of presumption of innocence remains central to the judicial process. As with all criminal proceedings, the accused individuals will have the opportunity to challenge the allegations and present their defense before the court.

The outcome of the case could therefore have implications not only for the individuals involved but also for Nigeria’s broader fight against financial crime and corruption.