The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 16-count money laundering charge against the immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), over alleged large-scale illicit asset acquisitions.

Malami, who served as AGF between 2015 and 2023 under the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, is being prosecuted alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Bashir Asabe.

According to the charge sheet dated December 23, 2025, the defendants are accused of laundering about ₦9 billion through complex financial transactions allegedly used to acquire prime properties in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and other locations. The EFCC said the offences contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Investigators alleged that Malami could not satisfactorily explain the source of funds used to acquire about 30 properties valued at approximately ₦212.8 billion, most of which were allegedly purchased during his eight years in office. The anti-graft agency is considering invoking the non-conviction-based asset forfeiture provisions of its Establishment Act to seize some of the properties, subject to a 14-day statutory notice for interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be forfeited to the Federal Government.

The EFCC is awaiting a date from the Federal High Court in Abuja for the commencement of trial. The prosecution team is led by Chief Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) and Ekene Iheanacho (SAN), supported by 14 other lawyers, while no fewer than 10 witnesses have been frontloaded in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

As of yesterday, there was no official reaction from Malami, who remains in EFCC custody. However, in an earlier statement, the former AGF had called on the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to recuse himself from the case.

The charge sheet detailed alleged transactions involving Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, which the EFCC said was used to conceal the unlawful origin of over ₦1.01 billion lodged in a Sterling Bank account, as well as hundreds of millions of naira allegedly paid for the purchase of residential and commercial properties across Abuja, Kebbi and Kano.