|By Adejumo Adekunle
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday issued a stern warning to all parties in the N8.7 billion money-laundering trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, cautioning against any attempt to privately approach the presiding judge.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the warning while ruling on the bail applications filed by Malami, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and their son, Abdulaziz Malami, who are standing trial on a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Declaring zero tolerance for interference, Justice Nwite stressed that familiarity would not influence his conduct on the bench, warning litigants and lawyers against misreading his calm disposition as weakness. He said the integrity of the court would be protected and any attempt to undermine it firmly resisted.
Addressing both the prosecution and defence teams, the judge urged parties to understand the character of the court and refrain from seeking undue access, noting that judges differ in temperament and approach. He advised litigants to rely strictly on competent legal representation rather than improper contact.
After delivering the warning, the court granted bail to each of the defendants in the sum of N500 million, with two sureties in like amount. Justice Nwite ordered that the sureties must own verifiable properties located in Maitama or Gwarinpa areas of Abuja.
Malami, who served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General between 2015 and 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is accused alongside his wife and son of retaining proceeds of unlawful activity and acquiring assets allegedly traced to funds of questionable origin.
In a separate ruling delivered the same day, Justice Nwite granted an interim forfeiture order sought by the EFCC over 57 properties suspected to be linked to the alleged illicit transactions. The order followed an ex-parte application moved by EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.
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