A prosecution witness in the ongoing N8.7 billion money laundering trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, confirmed that Zenith Bank filed Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) on his accounts.
The bank’s compliance officer, Mashelia Arhyel Bata, made this disclosure on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Malami is standing trial alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, on an amended 16-count financial crime charge.
During his cross-examination, Bata explained why the financial institution escalated the matter:Regulatory Compliance: Although the inflows met Central Bank of Nigeria guidelines, filing the STRs remained a strict regulatory obligation.
Repetitive Patterns: Funds deposited in a repetitive or distinct pattern must automatically be escalated to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).Billions Involved: The transactions under review feature multiple bank accounts and massive inflows linked to the family’s associated companies.
The court has adjourned further trial proceedings until May 22, 2026.All rights reserved ©2026 CDA News Nigeria.Privacy Policy: CDA News Nigeria is committed to protecting your privacy.
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