Former Senator, Dino Melaye, has reacted to the ongoing trial of the immediate past Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), saying the development brought back memories of his own experiences in court when Malami held office.
Melaye took to his 𝕏 account on Tuesday to recall how he was repeatedly prosecuted during Malami’s tenure as AGF, describing the cases against him as “frivolous.”
He wrote, “Former AGF, Abubakar Malami, along with his son, have appeared in court today. Reminded me of how I was appearing in different courts when Malami as AGF was prosecuting me over frivolous cases including taking over one of the police cases against me. Wish him well.”
Melaye’s reaction came on the same day the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the remand of Malami in prison custody over alleged money‑laundering offences.
Justice Emeka Nwite directed that Malami be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre alongside his son, Abdulaziz, and an alleged accomplice, Hajia Bashir Asabe, pending the hearing of their bail applications.
The judge rejected an oral application for bail by the defence team led by J. B. Daudu, SAN, noting that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which opposed the bail request, must first be given the opportunity to file its counter‑affidavit.
The court fixed January 2, 2026, for the hearing and determination of the bail applications.
Malami and his co‑defendants are facing a 16‑count charge of money laundering involving about N9 billion.
According to the prosecution, the former minister allegedly laundered public funds in violation of Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended, an offence punishable under Section 15(3) of the Act.
The EFCC further alleged that Malami used the proceeds of the illicit funds to acquire high‑value properties in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and other cities across the country.