Former Senator Dino Melaye has commented on the ongoing trial of a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, saying the case has revived memories of his own legal battles during Malami’s time in office.
Melaye, in a post on his verified X account on Tuesday, said he was reminded of how he frequently appeared in court while Malami served as attorney-general. He described the cases filed against him at the time as frivolous and politically driven.
According to Melaye, Malami and his son appeared in court on Tuesday, a development he said mirrored his own experiences when Malami allegedly took over one of the police cases instituted against him. He added that he wished the former justice minister well.
Melaye’s remarks came on the same day the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered Malami to be remanded in custody over allegations of money laundering.
Justice Emeka Nwike directed that Malami be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre alongside his son, Abdulaziz, and an alleged accomplice, Hajia Bashir Asabe, pending the hearing of their bail applications.
The court declined an oral bail request made by the defence team, led by J.B. Daudu, SAN, ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission must first be allowed to file a counter-affidavit in response to the application.
Justice Nwike subsequently adjourned the case to January 2, 2026, for the hearing and determination of the bail applications.
Malami and his co-defendants are facing a 16-count charge related to alleged money laundering involving about ₦9 billion. The EFCC accused the defendants of laundering public funds in contravention of Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), an offence punishable under Section 15(3) of the Act.
The prosecution further alleged that the former attorney-general used proceeds from the illicit funds to acquire high-value properties in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and other parts of the country.
