The arraignment of Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), has reignited discussions on power, integrity, and accountability in Nigeria.
Malami appeared in court on Tuesday alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and Bashir Asabe, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd, facing 16 counts of alleged money laundering involving billions of naira.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly disguised the unlawful origin of N500 million paid to Efab Properties Ltd for the purchase of a duplex in Abuja’s Maitama district. The charges cite Sections 18(2)(a) and 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Read also: Court remands Ex AGF Malami, son in Kuje prison in money laundering case
Both Malami and his son pleaded not guilty. The next court proceedings are scheduled for January 5, 2026.
The developments prompted reactions from prominent Nigerians, including Kingsley Moghalu, former Central Bank of Nigeria deputy governor, Chidi Odinkalu, ex-chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, and former senator Dino Melaye.
Moghalu highlighted the fleeting nature of power in Nigeria. “By now, anyone taking public office in Nigeria should understand the transience of power, especially in a country where public office has progressively become uncoupled from competence, ideology, or values such as integrity.
“When people carry on in office like tomorrow will never arrive, the hunters will become the hunted,” he said.
He clarified, however, that his comments were general and not a “conviction” of Malami, urging that the courts decide his guilt or innocence.
Odinkalu reflected on Malami’s tenure as AGF, recalling his role in the removal of former EFCC chairman Ibrahim Magu over disputes involving recovered funds.
“Malami went on to acquire incredible loot of his own… Many men and women around power today will miss the lessons in Malami’s present predicament. I hope, nevertheless, that he gets the fair trial that he did not provide to many when he had the chance and opportunity,” he wrote.
Melaye, who was previously prosecuted while Malami served as AGF, shared that the arraignment brought back memories of his own court appearances at the time.
“Reminded me of how I was appearing in different courts when Malami, as AGF, was prosecuting me over frivolous cases… Wish him well,” he said.
The arraignment has sparked renewed debate about accountability in Nigeria, highlighting the unpredictable nature of power and the importance of integrity in public office.
Observers are watching closely to see whether justice will be served in a case that has drawn national attention.
