Alleged N8.7bn Fraud: Court Admits Key Evidence Against Malami, Family

Alleged N8.7bn Fraud: Court Admits Key Evidence Against Malami, Family

The Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted nine documentary exhibits in the ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife and son over alleged financial crimes amounting to N8.7 billion.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, sitting in Maitama, approved the documents after they were presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of its prosecution case.

Malami is being tried together with his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, on an amended 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The exhibits, marked D1 to D9, were tendered through the fourth prosecution witness, Mashelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, J.S. Okutepa (SAN), the witness told the court that the bank received a formal request from the EFCC seeking details of accounts linked to the defendants and some associated companies.

He said the bank complied by submitting both electronic and physical records relating to accounts tied to the accused persons and firms including Rayhaan Hotels Limited, Rayhaan Bustan Agro Allied Limited, Nashab Limited, Golden Age Global Ventures and Rahamaniyya Properties Limited.

Bata further gave insight into transactions contained in the documents during cross-examination by prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN).

The defence, led by J.B. Daudu (SAN), initially objected to the admissibility of the documents, questioning the dates on several of them. However, the court overruled the objection and admitted the exhibits.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to May 13, 2026, for continuation of trial.