“I Am Unapproachable”: Justice Nwite Warns Lawyers in Malami Money Laundering Trial

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, has sternly warned counsel and litigants involved in the trial of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and two others, against approaching him for any favour.

At proceedings held on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, the judge cautioned that his familiarity with lawyers should not be misconstrued as an invitation to seek undue advantage, stressing that the law would not be bent under any circumstance.

“I want to admonish and warn counsels and litigants that they should know the type of court they are appearing before. All judges are not the same. Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing with any case, do not approach me. The best you can do for your clients is to get the best lawyers in this country. The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned,” Justice Nwite said.

He further warned that any attempt to tarnish his name or influence the court would be firmly resisted and dealt with.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Malami alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, over alleged money laundering offences amounting to N8.71 billion.

The defendants are facing a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

One of the charges alleges that between July 2022 and June 2025, Malami and his son procured Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal the unlawful origin of over N1.01 billion lodged in a Sterling Bank account.

Other counts accuse the defendants of conspiring to disguise and indirectly control billions of naira allegedly laundered through accounts linked to Meethaq Hotels Limited.

Earlier, Justice Nwite granted bail to Malami, his wife, and son in the sum of N500 million each, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be landed property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa, Abuja, and must depose to affidavits of means.

The court further ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports with the Deputy Chief Registrar and barred them from travelling out of the country without court permission. They are to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until all bail conditions are perfected.

The matter was adjourned to February 17, 2026, for continuation of trial.