Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, and an employee of a firm linked to him, Bashir Asabe, on Monday pleaded not guilty to allegations of money laundering brought against them.
The defendants were arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering and related offences.
According to court proceedings, Asabe is an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, a company reportedly linked to the former minister. All three defendants denied the charges when they were read in open court.
Following their pleas, the prosecution requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendants in line with legal provisions. Defence counsel, however, applied for bail on behalf of their clients, arguing that the charges were bailable and that the defendants were willing to cooperate fully with the court.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to a later date for hearing of the bail applications and commencement of trial, while issuing interim orders as deemed appropriate.
The case adds to a growing list of high-profile financial crime prosecutions currently before Nigerian courts, as anti-graft agencies intensify efforts to tackle alleged corruption and financial misconduct.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
