Court Delays Malami Money Laundering Trial Until Feb 27

Proceedings in the trial of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, were put on hold on Friday after a public holiday disrupted court operations in Nigeria’s capital.

The case, which is being heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja, was postponed by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik following the declaration of a work-free day. The holiday was announced by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ahead of the Abuja Area Council elections.

When reporters visited the court complex early Friday morning, the atmosphere reflected the disruption. Courtrooms were largely empty, with only a handful of staff present. Lawyers, litigants, and members of the public who arrived for scheduled hearings were turned away due to the unexpected closure.

As a result, the high-profile case involving Malami and his son has now been rescheduled to February 27, when proceedings are expected to formally continue.

Serious allegations from Nigeria’s security agency

The charges against the former justice minister and his son were filed by Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency, the State Security Service (SSS), also known as the DSS. Prosecutors accuse both men of offences linked to money laundering, illegal possession of firearms, and alleged connections to terrorism-related activities.

According to court filings, authorities claim that firearms were discovered at the family’s residence in Birnin Kebbi, located in Kebbi State, without proper legal authorization. Investigators also allege that Malami, during his time as Attorney General, failed to act on intelligence reports involving individuals suspected of financing terrorism.

These allegations form part of a five-count criminal charge, which prosecutors argue raises significant national security concerns.

Both defendants, however, have firmly denied the accusations. When they were arraigned earlier this month, they pleaded not guilty to all charges brought before the court.

Bail request denied as legal battle intensifies

Following their arraignment, the defence team requested that the court grant bail, arguing that both men had already spent more than two weeks in detention.

However, Justice Abdulmalik declined the oral application, stating that such requests must follow proper legal procedure. She instructed the defence lawyers to submit a formal written bail application instead.

In the meantime, the judge ordered that both defendants remain in the custody of the State Security Service until further notice.

This decision marked an early victory for prosecutors, who had sought to ensure the defendants remained available for trial.

What to expect when the trial resumes

With the new hearing date set for February 27, attention is now focused on what could become one of Nigeria’s most closely watched corruption and security-related trials in recent years.

Legal analysts say the upcoming proceedings will likely address bail arguments and determine how quickly the main trial can move forward.

For now, the adjournment represents a procedural delay rather than a resolution. The outcome of the case could carry significant political and legal implications, especially given Malami’s former role as Nigeria’s chief law officer.

As the new date approaches, both the prosecution and defence are expected to prepare for a legal contest that may shape public perceptions of accountability and justice at the highest levels of government.

Read also: Osun deploying technology to improve governance, security and public services — Adeleke