The judge presiding over the N8.7 billion money-laundering case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has issued a stern warning to all parties connected to the matter, cautioning against any attempt to approach him privately.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered the warning on Wednesday while ruling on the bail applications filed by Malami, his wife, Asabe Bashir, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami.

Emphasising the sanctity of judicial integrity, the judge declared that no relationship or familiarity would influence his conduct on the bench.

“Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing with any case, do not approach me. The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned,” Justice Nwite warned.

He further cautioned that his calm demeanour in court should not be mistaken for weakness.

Addressing the prosecution team, defence lawyers and the defendants, the judge said, “I want to warn every litigant and lawyer appearing before this court to understand how this court operates. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

“Any attempt to tarnish my name will be resisted and dealt with. I warned, I warned, and I warned.”

Malami, who served as AGF between 2015 and 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is facing trial alongside his wife and son on a 16-count charge bordering on the alleged laundering of about N8.7 billion.

According to the charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the defendants are accused of retaining proceeds of unlawful activities and acquiring assets traced to funds of suspicious origin.

Justice Nwite granted bail to each of the defendants in the sum of N500 million, with two sureties in like sum. The court also directed that the sureties must own verifiable properties located in the Maitama or Gwarinpa areas of Abuja.

The judge issued the warning shortly after delivering the bail ruling, stressing that litigants and lawyers should refrain from seeking back-door access to the court.

He reminded all parties to respect the character and independence of the court, noting that “all judges are not the same,” and advised them to rely solely on proper legal representation to argue their case.

In a separate ruling on the same day, Justice Nwite also granted an interim forfeiture order sought by the EFCC over 57 properties suspected to be linked to Malami’s alleged unlawful dealings.

The forfeiture order followed an ex parte application filed by the EFCC and moved by its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN.

N8.7bn Trial: Judge Warns Malami, Lawyers Against Back-Door Contacts

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