Justice Emeka Nwite, sitting at the Federal High Court in Maitama, directed that the trio be held at the Kuje Correctional Facility pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications.
The order followed their arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged money laundering offences amounting to ₦8.71bn.
What the EFCC alleges
The anti-graft agency told the court that the defendants are facing a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities.
According to the EFCC, the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
At the start of proceedings on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment.
“My Lord, this matter is for the arraignment of the defendants on a 16-count charge dated and filed on December 23, 2025. We humbly pray that the charge be read to the defendants and their pleas taken,” Iheanacho said.
Defence response
Counsel to the defendants, J.B. Daudu (SAN), did not oppose the prosecution’s application.
Following the absence of objection, Justice Nwite ordered that the charges be read to the defendants, paving the way for their formal arraignment.
Why it matters
The case places one of Nigeria’s most powerful former justice ministers under criminal prosecution, raising fresh questions about accountability at the highest levels of government.
Malami served as Attorney-General throughout the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a period often marked by strong anti-corruption rhetoric.
For many Nigerians, the case is being closely watched as a test of whether the country’s anti-graft agencies can pursue allegations involving politically exposed persons without interference.
Legal and public reactions
Legal analysts say the remand order reflects the court’s growing caution in high-profile financial crime cases.
A senior Abuja-based lawyer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told NigeriaUpdates that remanding suspects pending bail hearings is becoming more common in cases involving alleged complex financial transactions.
“Courts are increasingly balancing personal liberty with the seriousness of allegations, especially where large sums and public interest are involved,” the lawyer said.
On social media, reactions have been mixed, with some Nigerians welcoming the arraignment as a sign of progress, while others urged the judiciary to ensure the case is handled without political bias.
What happens next
The court is expected to hear and rule on the defendants’ bail applications in the coming days.
If bail is denied, the former minister and his family members will remain in custody while the trial proceeds.
The EFCC is expected to call witnesses and present documentary evidence to support its allegations once the substantive hearing begins
