Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, will continue facing trial over an alleged N8.7 billion money laundering case on June 23, 2026, following an adjournment by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik fixed the new hearing date on Friday after defence lawyers requested an adjournment during resumed proceedings at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
Malami is standing trial alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, over allegations brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency accused the defendants of conspiracy, concealment of illicit funds, disguising proceeds of unlawful activities, and laundering money allegedly linked to criminal transactions amounting to more than N8.7 billion.
During Friday’s hearing, prosecution counsel, J.S. Okutepa, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for continuation of hearing but that the prosecution had received a formal request for adjournment from the defence team.
Although the prosecution initially considered opposing the request, Okutepa said it later decided against doing so to avoid further delays in the case, while reminding the court that the defendants had previously sought adjournments.
Justice Abdulmalik observed that the absence of the lead defence counsel would ordinarily not halt proceedings, especially given the number of lawyers available within the defence team. However, the court granted the request, noting that the defence had not exceeded the permissible number of adjournments.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to June 23, 2026, for continuation of trial.
