Malami’s trial reminds me of my ordeal when he was AGF – Dino Melaye

Former Senator Dino Melaye has reacted to the ongoing trial of the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, saying the development reminded him of his own experience in court while Malami was in office.

Melaye, who took to his X account on Tuesday, recalled how he was repeatedly prosecuted during Malami’s tenure as attorney-general, describing the cases against him as frivolous.

“Former AGF, Abubakar Malami, along with his son, have appeared in court today,” Melaye wrote. “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 came on the same day the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja ordered the remand of Malami in prison custody over alleged money laundering.

The court directed that Malami be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre alongside his son, Abdulaziz, and an alleged accomplice, Hajia Bashir Asabe, pending the hearing of their bail applications.

Trial Justice Emeka Nwike issued the order after rejecting an oral application for bail made by the defence team led by J. B. Daudu, SAN. The judge held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which opposed the bail request, must first be given the opportunity to file its counter-affidavit.

The court fixed January 2, 2026, for the hearing and determination of the defendants’ bail applications.

Malami and his co-defendants are facing a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering involving about N9 billion. The EFCC alleged that the defendants laundered public funds in violation of Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended, an offence punishable under Section 15(3) of the Act.

According to the prosecution, the former minister allegedly used the proceeds of the illicit funds to acquire high-value properties in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and other cities across the country.