EFCC Tenders Nine Exhibits in ₦8.7bn Fraud Trial Against Malami, Wife and Son

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has tendered nine documentary exhibits in the ongoing fraud trial of former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, his wife, and son.

The exhibits were presented Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja through a Zenith Bank compliance officer who testified about account records linked to the defendants. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted the documents as Exhibits D1 through D9 despite an objection from defence counsel.

Malami faces a 16-count charge alleging money laundering, corruption and fraud involving approximately ₦8.7 billion. The anti-graft agency accuses the defendants of conspiring to disguise and launder proceeds from unlawful activities between 2012 and 2023.

Bank Records Reveal Transactions

The prosecution witness, Mashelia Arhyel Bata, told the court he received correspondence from the EFCC requesting documents related to accounts belonging to Malami and associated entities. His bank complied by providing both soft and hard copies covering multiple accounts.

Among the transactions detailed in the exhibits: credits totaling hundreds of millions of naira flowing through various accounts between 2012 and 2023. The witness identified specific transfers, including N622.5 million from Rayhaan Bustan Agro Allied Limited in June 2022 and multiple N250 million inflows from Rayhaan Hotels Limited.

Defence lawyer Joseph Daudu, SAN, requested an adjournment to study the nine exhibits before cross-examining the witness. The court fixed May 13 for the trial to continue.

A Separate Case from DSS Charges

This EFCC fraud trial is distinct from separate firearms and terrorism-related charges Malami’s son previously faced from the Department of State Services. The DSS case involved different allegations and proceedings.

The money laundering charges under the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, represent a significant escalation in the legal troubles facing the former AGF, who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer before leaving office.

As the trial continues, the exhibits tendered this week will likely form the backbone of the prosecution’s case against Malami and his family members.

Sources: ThisDay, BusinessDay, The Boss Newspapers, Premium Times