What You Need to Know
The former Nigerian Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami, has been formally charged with 16 counts of money laundering and conspiracy to conceal assets worth billions of Nigerian naira. Along with his son and wife, Malami is accused of hiding the sources of funds believed to be from illegal activities between 2015 and 2025.
Africa. The Financial Crimes Commission in Nigeria has formally charged former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami with 16 counts related to money laundering and conspiracy to conceal assets worth billions of Nigerian naira, according to court documents filed with the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The commission accuses Malami, along with his son Abdulaziz Malami and his wife, of concealing the sources of funds believed to be derived from illegal activities during the period from 2015 to 2025. Investigations indicate that the accused used corporate accounts and real estate transactions to hide dealings exceeding 8 billion naira (approximately 5.5 million dollars).
The three defendants appeared in court on Tuesday, where they denied all charges against them. The case is expected to continue drawing significant attention within Nigeria due to Malami’s previous standing in the government.
Corruption has been a persistent issue in Nigeria, affecting various sectors, including the judiciary. The country’s legal framework has often been criticized for its inefficiency in tackling corruption, leading to public distrust in government institutions. The recent charges against Abubakar Malami, a prominent figure in the Nigerian government, highlight ongoing concerns about accountability and transparency in public office.
Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023, a period marked by numerous allegations of corruption against high-ranking officials.
