By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday adjourned the alleged N8.7 billion money laundering trial involving Abubakar Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, until June 23, 2026, after the defence team requested more time to continue proceedings. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting the trio over alleged money laundering offences involving ₦8,713,923,759.49.
Court Grants Defence Request for Adjournment
At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel J.S. Okutepa (SAN) informed the court that the prosecution received a formal request for adjournment from the defence.
According to him, the letter, dated May 20, 2026, was submitted by the law firm of J.B. Daudu and Co. and addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.
Okutepa stated that although the prosecution considered opposing the request, it chose not to delay the trial process.
However, he urged the court to record that the defendants had already used one of the adjournments available to them.
“We are not opposing, but we want my lord to note that the defendants have applied for adjournment once, meaning they have four adjournments left.”
Judge Questions Need to Suspend Proceedings
Delivering her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik agreed with the prosecution’s observation.
She noted that the lead defence counsel had several lawyers within the chambers and said proceedings ordinarily should not stop because of one counsel’s absence.
Nonetheless, the judge approved the application, citing the allowable number of adjournments available to the defence.
“Since they have room for five adjournments, we will grant them this one.”
The matter was subsequently adjourned to June 23, 2026, for continuation of trial.
EFCC Prosecution Details
According to a statement issued by EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency is prosecuting the defendants on a 16-count charge.
The charges border on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities.
The case was filed under the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
