Ex-AGF Malami’s Billion-Naira Cases Reassigned Ahead of Feb. 27 Hearing

Story: Written by springnewsng February 23,2026
Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, has reassigned two high-profile cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to a new trial judge ahead of a February 27 hearing.
The cases, previously handled by Justice Obiora Egwuatu after Justice Emeka Nwite oversaw them during the Christmas/New Year vacation, have now been scheduled before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik following Justice Egwuatu’s recusal on February 12, citing personal reasons and the interest of justice.
The matters include an asset forfeiture suit involving 57 properties and an N8.7 billion money laundering charge against Malami, his wife Hajia Asabe Bashir, and their son Abdulaziz. During the vacation period, Justice Nwite had issued an interim forfeiture order on the properties, located across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States, which the EFCC alleged were linked to illicit proceeds. The court directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper, allowing 14 days for interested parties to challenge the forfeiture.
Malami, through his lead counsel Joseph Daudu, SAN, challenged the civil suit, claiming that the EFCC obtained the interim order through suppression of facts and misrepresentation. He argued the action violated his property rights, presumption of innocence, and his family’s right to peaceful living. Other applicants joined him in seeking to set aside the interim order.
In the related criminal case, Malami and his family were arraigned on December 30, 2025, before Justice Nwite on a 16-count money laundering charge totaling N8.713 billion. They pleaded not guilty and were initially remanded at Kuje and Suleja Correctional Centres, later granted bail of N500 million each with two sureties of equal value.
Malami and his son were subsequently re-arrested by the Department of State Services over terrorism allegations. They remain in DSS custody and were arraigned before Justice Abdulmalik on a five-count terrorism charge, with the trial also slated to start on February 27.
During the upcoming hearing, Malami, Asabe, and Abdulaziz are expected to be re-arraigned on the money laundering charges, while interested parties will also argue why the interim forfeiture of the 57 properties should not be vacated.