ABUJA, NIGERIA — The trial of the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, continued before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, as a bank official revealed how funds were repeatedly wired to the defendant through the bank account of a hotel solely controlled by his wife.
The witness, Mr. Daniel Simon Kwayil — a banks’ compliance officer with Union Bank — said the funds were transferred from the account of Meethaq Hotels Limited, which lists Malami’s wife, Hajia Asabe Rakiya Bashir, as its sole signatory.
Kwayil, who testified as the second prosecution witness (PW-2), identified Malami’s wife, who was in the dock, during the proceedings.
Malami, who served as Justice Minister from November 2015 to May 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, is facing trial alongside his son, Abdulaziz, and his wife, Asabe. They are answering to a 16-count amended charge of conspiracy, disguising, concealing, and laundering the proceeds of unlawful activities totalling about N9 billion.
Details of Fund Transfers
Referencing details from the hotel’s statement of account, the witness revealed specific transfers made on the hotel’s order:
On February 5, 2024, a payment of N14 million by instant transfer was made to the former AGF.
On March 4, 2024, another transfer of N24 million was made in favour of Malami from the hotel.
On February 3, 2024, N24 million was transferred to Malami’s firm, A.A. Malami and Co.
On May 3, 2024, a transfer of N12.5 million was made in favour of Malami.
When asked to identify the signatory to the hotel’s account, the witness confirmed it was Malami’s wife, stating that her identification card appeared on the account opening documents and that a board resolution made her the sole signatory.
Other Account Inflows Detailed
The witness also highlighted numerous other inflows into the Meethaq Hotels Limited account between 2022 and 2023, including deposits from YMB Energy Limited and various other sources totalling millions of naira.
Third Witness Testifies on Loan Transactions
Following the discharge of the second witness, the EFCC produced its third witness, Mr. Olomotane Egoro, a compliance officer with Access Bank.
Egoro testified about documents relating to Rayhaan Bustan and Agro Allied Nigeria Limited and Khadimiyya for Justice and Development Initiative. He told the court that Malami’s son, Abdulaziz, was the sole signatory to the Rayhaan Bustan account and that the company obtained a N400 million loan facility from the bank, which was disbursed on October 9, 2020, and fully repaid on July 14, 2022.
Regarding the Khadimiyya for Justice and Development Initiative account, the witness disclosed that the total lodgement between October 17, 2019, and December 31, 2023, stood at N722,986,603.75, while Rayhaan Bustan recorded total inflows of N1,857,978,100 between March 26, 2020, and January 31, 2025.
Under cross-examination, both witnesses admitted they did not know the purpose of the transactions reflected in the bank statements.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until April 20, 2026, for continuation of the trial.
Disclaimer: This material and other digital content on this website maybe reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without the prior express written permission of CDA News Nigeria. All rights reserved. © 2026 CDA News Nigeria. | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Privacy Policy: CDA News Nigeria is committed to protecting your privacy. We collect and use personal information solely for delivering news updates and improving your experience. Your data is never shared with third parties without explicit consent. For full details, visit our website.
Contact: For news tips, inquiries, or feedback, contact CDA News Nigeria at info@cdanews.ng or visit our headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
