Nigeria’s former attorney general and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, has been arraigned on 16 counts of money laundering and conspiracy, according to filings by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Reuters reported.

The charges, which also implicate Malami’s son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and Hajia Bashir Asabe, allege that the trio concealed the origins of funds accumulated between 2015 and 2025. The EFCC says corporate accounts and property acquisitions were used to disguise transactions exceeding 8 billion naira ($5.5 million), with Asabe reportedly linked to Malami’s property business.

All three pleaded not guilty during Tuesday’s hearing. They were remanded in EFCC custody ahead of a bail hearing scheduled for January 2.

The commission contends that Malami, who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer from 2015 to 2023, acquired assets while in office using illicit funds. Among the properties listed are a luxury duplex in Maitama, hotels in Jabi, and plots in Gwarimpa and Asokoro.

The EFCC’s action underscores heightened scrutiny of public officials in Nigeria and reflects ongoing efforts to recover assets allegedly obtained through corruption and financial misconduct.