Court postpones Malami’s trial to June 23 over alleged N8.7 billion fraud.

The Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned the trial of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN, his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami to June 23, 2026. The case concerns an alleged N8.7 billion money‑laundering scheme.

The trio face a 16‑count charge that includes conspiracy, procurement, concealment, and laundering of proceeds from unlawful activities amounting to N8,713,923,759.49. The charges are brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

During the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel J.S. Okutepa (SAN) informed the court that the trial was scheduled to continue, but the defence had submitted a letter requesting an adjournment. He added that the prosecution did not oppose the application, yet the court should consider the prior adjournments granted at the defence’s request.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the absence of the lead defence counsel should not normally halt proceedings, especially since other lawyers from the chambers were available to represent the defendants. However, she granted the adjournment to ensure a fair hearing, noting that the defence still had remaining adjournment allowances.

Consequently, the case was adjourned until June 23, 2026 for the continuation of the trial.