Alleged N8.7bn money laundering case: Court adjourns Malami’s trial to June 23

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged N8.7 billion money laundering trial involving former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, until 23 June 2026.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik fixed the new date on Friday after the defence sought an adjournment in the ongoing trial involving Mr Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami.

The trio are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering alleged proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to N8,713,923,759.49.

According to the anti-graft agency, the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

At Friday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel, J.S. Okutepa, SAN, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for continuation of hearing but that the prosecution had received a letter from the defence requesting an adjournment.

“This matter is slated today for continuation of hearing. We were served with a letter addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar of this court on the 20th of May, 2026 by the law firm of J.B. Daudu and Co. We wanted to oppose the application but we don’t want to stall the proceedings,” Mr Okutepa said.

The senior lawyer, however, urged the court to take note of previous adjournments already sought by the defence.

“We are not opposing but we want my lord to note that the defendants have applied for adjournment once, meaning they have four adjournments left,” he added.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the prosecution that the absence of the lead defence counsel should not ordinarily halt proceedings, especially given the size of his legal team.

“I do concur with you, learned senior counsel, that the defence counsel indeed has so many lawyers in his chambers.

There is no reason to stall proceedings today. Be that as it may, since they have room for five adjournments, we will grant them this one,” the judge held.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter until 23 June 2026 for continuation of trial.