Former Senator Dino Melaye has reacted strongly to the ongoing trial of ex-Attorney-General of the Federation and former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, saying the development has reopened memories of his own legal battles when Malami held sway as AGF.
Taking to his X account on Tuesday, Melaye recalled how he was repeatedly dragged before different courts during Malami’s tenure, insisting the cases against him were frivolous and politically driven.
“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,” he added.
Melaye’s comments came as the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered Malami to be remanded in custody over allegations of money laundering.
The court directed that the former justice minister be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and an alleged accomplice, Hajia Bashir Asabe, pending the hearing of their bail applications.
Trial Justice Emeka Nwike issued the remand order after rejecting an oral bail request made by the defence team led by J. B. Daudu, SAN. The judge ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must first be allowed to file its counter-affidavit opposing bail.
The matter was adjourned to January 2, 2026, for the hearing and determination of the bail applications.
Malami and his co-defendants are facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged 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.
Prosecutors further claimed that the former AGF used proceeds from the alleged illicit funds to acquire high-value properties in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and other parts of the country.
