Alex Enuma in Abuja
EFCC Presents Key Evidence in High-Profile Trial
On Monday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) submitted nine key exhibits to the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN). These documentary exhibits were presented at the resumption of hearings before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja, through Prosecution Witness No. 4, Masheria Ahiel Bata, a Compliance Officer at Zenith Bank.
Charges Against Malami and Family
Abubakar Malami, along with his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe and son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, is facing a total of 16 criminal charges related to money laundering, corruption, and fraud. The anti-corruption authorities allege that the defendants conspired to conceal and launder proceeds from illicit activities, totaling approximately GH¢8,713,923,759.49. These actions are said to violate the Prevention and Prohibition of Money Laundering Act of 2022.
Details from the Compliance Officer
During the hearing, Compliance Officer Bata testified about his interactions with the EFCC. He explained that while fulfilling his duties at Zenith Bank, he received a request from the EFCC for documentation related to several accounts associated with the defendants and their related entities. “I am responsible for responding to communications from law enforcement agencies,” he stated, elaborating on his role.
Evidence Submitted During the Hearing
Bata confirmed that the bank had complied with the EFCC’s requests by providing both digital and physical copies of documents related to various accounts linked to the defendants, including entities such as Rayhaan Hotels Limited and Rahmaniyah Properties Limited. “Your Honor, there are nine documents,” he confirmed, indicating his ability to identify them during the proceedings.
Court’s Ruling on Exhibits
The court accepted the documents, dated between July 19, 2024, and March 12, 2026, as exhibits D1 to D9, despite objections from defense attorney Joseph Daudu (SAN), who pointed out the nearly overlapping dates in March. Following the admission of the evidence, Bata continued his testimony under cross-examination from prosecutor Ekere Iheanacho.
Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny
Bata provided detailed information on the transactions represented in Exhibit D1, which included account opening documents and statements for the accounts of Abubakar Malami and AA Malami and Company. One financial statement covered the period from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2023. He confirmed that the account remained active through 2015 to 2023, highlighting significant transfers during this timeframe.
Noteworthy Transactions and Defense Strategy
The Compliance Officer detailed substantial credits and debits in the accounts, revealing that N383,637,21.55 was credited between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2023, and N560,506,465.12 between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2015. Specific transactions included N194,791,608.00 received from New Horizons Limited on November 11, 2020, and N622.5 million from Rayhaan Bustan Agro Allied Limited on June 24, 2022. Defense counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN) subsequently requested an adjournment to review the exhibits and prepare for cross-examination. The court has scheduled the next session for May 13, 2026.
