Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has reacted to the ongoing trial of the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), saying the development reminded him of his own experiences in court during Malami’s tenure in office.
Melaye, in a post on his 𝕏 handle on Tuesday, recalled how he was repeatedly prosecuted while Malami served as AGF, describing the cases against him as “frivolous.”
According to him:
“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 followed a ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordering the remand of Malami in prison custody over alleged money-laundering offences.
Justice Emeka Nwite directed that Malami be kept at the Kuje Correctional Centre alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and an alleged accomplice, Hajia Bashir Asabe, pending the hearing of their bail applications.
The court declined an oral bail application by the defence team led by J. B. Daudu, SAN, ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which opposed the request, must first be allowed to file a counter-affidavit.
The matter was adjourned to January 2, 2026, for the hearing and determination of the bail applications.
Malami and his co-defendants are standing trial on a 16-count charge of money laundering involving about N9 billion.
The EFCC alleged that the former minister laundered public funds contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), an offence punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act. He is also accused of using the proceeds to acquire high-value properties in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and other parts of the country.
The former AGF has pleaded not guilty to the charges.