EFCC Reveals Bank Transactions Linking Abubakar Malami to Meethaq Hotels in Abuja

The trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, resumed on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The focus of proceedings shifted to banking transactions linked to a hotel account and various loan facilities.

Malami, accompanied by his wife and later joined by his son, was present in court as testimony began before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

The prosecution, led by Jibrin Okutepa, SAN and Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, presented witnesses from multiple banks, while Malami’s legal team, including Joseph Daudu, SAN and S. A. Aruwa, defended him.

Union Bank Witness Details Hotel Account Transactions

The second prosecution witness, Simon Kwayim Daniel, works in the compliance department at Union Bank of Nigeria, Garki branch, Abuja.

Daniel described his role as a regulatory liaison, responsible for reviewing account openings, authorizing closures, and ensuring compliance with government and banking regulations.

Daniel testified that in December 2025, the EFCC requested account details for Meethaq Hotels Limited, including statements, certificates of compliance, and other relevant documents.

He confirmed that the bank provided the requested information on December 23, 2025, and these were later admitted into evidence as Exhibits B Series.

The witness went on to detail transfers from the hotel account:

• February 5, 2024 – N14 million to Malami

• March 4, 2024 – N24 million to Malami

• April 3, 2024 – N24 million to AA Malami & Co

• May 3, 2024 – N12.5 million to AA Malami & Co

Daniel identified Asabe Bashir, Malami’s wife, as the sole signatory of the hotel account and confirmed deposits ranging from small amounts to tens of millions of naira from 2022 through 2023.

Access Bank Witness Testifies on Loan Accounts

The third prosecution witness, Olomotane Egoro, from Access Bank Plc, provided evidence on accounts linked to Rayhaan Bustan, Agro Allied Ltd, and Khadimiyya for Justice and Development Initiative.

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Egoro confirmed receipt of EFCC requests for account documents, which were tendered as Exhibits C1 and C2.

Egoro detailed transactions including a N400 million loan facility for Rayhaan Bustan and Agro Allied Ltd, disbursed in 2020 and fully repaid by 2022.

Other deposits included multiple transfers into Khadimiyya accounts by individuals including Abdulaziz Malami Abubakar, Malami’s son, and other contributors.

During cross-examination, Egoro clarified that he is a certified anti-money laundering personnel but not affiliated with the EFCC and did not know the purpose of the listed inflows.

Legal Context and Procedural Details

The defense did not initially contest the admissibility of the documents, reserving challenges for final addresses.

Cross-examinations clarified the roles of witnesses, distinguishing compliance officers from relationship managers and verifying account authorizations.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until April 20 for continuation, leaving the trial poised for further financial and legal scrutiny.

Impact and Consequences

• Public confidence in governance: The trial of a former AGF on financial irregularities underscores the importance of accountability in public office.

• Financial transparency spotlighted: Banks’ involvement demonstrates the critical role of regulatory compliance in tracking government-linked transactions.

• Political implications: Malami’s legal battle may influence public perceptions of integrity in past administrations.

• Judicial precedent: Admission of complex banking evidence sets standards for future anti-corruption proceedings in Nigeria.

What’s Next?

• April 20 resumption: The court will continue hearing further witnesses and examining additional transactions.

• Defense strategies: Malami’s legal team may challenge interpretations of transfers and the legitimacy of certain transactions.

• Public and media scrutiny: Both national and international observers will monitor the trial closely, given Malami’s prominence.

• EFCC investigations: Evidence presented may lead to further probes into related accounts and corporate entities.

Summary

The trial of Abubakar Malami is intensifying as detailed banking evidence surfaces, linking hotel and corporate accounts to both the former AGF and his family.

Witnesses from Union Bank and Access Bank outlined transfers and deposits spanning millions of naira, while the defense prepared to scrutinize the purpose and legality of these financial movements.

The next hearing in April is expected to reveal more about the financial networks and loans connected to the case.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Malami and family present: Malami, his wife, and son attended proceedings in Abuja.

• Union Bank evidence: Transfers from Meethaq Hotels account detailed, with Malami’s wife as sole signatory.

• Access Bank testimony: Loan accounts and deposits linked to Malami’s son presented as evidence.

• Exhibits admitted: Exhibits B Series (Union Bank) and C1/C2 (Access Bank) officially entered into record.

• Next court date: Trial adjourned to April 20 for continuation of testimonies and cross-examinations.