ABUJA, Nigeria – The 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, until June 23, 2026.
Okay News reports that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik fixed the new date on Friday after defence lawyers requested an adjournment during the resumed proceedings at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
Malami, alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged money laundering involving more than N8.7 billion.
The anti-graft agency accused the defendants of conspiracy, concealing illicit funds, disguising proceeds of unlawful activities, and laundering money allegedly linked to criminal transactions, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
During Friday’s session, 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 formal letter from the defence seeking adjournment.
Okutepa told the court that although the prosecution initially considered opposing the request, it decided not to in order to avoid delaying the proceedings further. However, he urged the court to note that the defendants had already sought adjournments previously.
Justice Abdulmalik agreed that the absence of the lead defence counsel should ordinarily not stop proceedings, especially considering the number of lawyers available in the defence team’s chambers.
Despite the observation, the judge granted the adjournment request, noting that the defence was still within the allowable number of adjournments permitted by the court.
The case was subsequently adjourned to June 23, 2026, for continuation of trial.
