By Adesakin Adefemi
Two witnesses of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have presented their testimonies in the ongoing trial of Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice; his wife, Bashir Asabe; and son, Abdulaziz, at the federal high court in Abuja.
The duo, Simon Daniel Kwayil and Olomotane Egoro, compliance officers with Union Bank and Access Bank respectively, revealed how millions of naira were sent to companies linked to Malami’s family. Malami, his wife, and son are facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, preferred against them by the EFCC.
Kwayil told the court that Meethaq Hotels Limited, a company linked to Malami’s wife, received over N99 million as inflows into its account between December 5, 2022, and April 14, 2023. He said about N48 million was electronically transferred from Meethaq Hotels Limited’s account to accounts linked to Abubakar Malami and A.A. Malami & Co. between February 2 and April 3, 2024.
The witness said the sole signatory to the account is Malami’s wife, Bashir Asabe, based on the resolution of the board of Meethaq Hotels Limited. The documents were tendered as exhibits in the court.
Egoro, the second witness, told the court that Abdulaziz, Malami’s son, is the sole signatory of the account of Agro Allied Limited. He said the company took a loan of N400 million from Access Bank, adding that the amount was paid into the account on October 9, 2020.
The banker said N100 million was sent to New Horizon Ltd in five transactions of N20 million each, while on October 9, 2020, another N100 million was sent into the account of Rayhaan Bustan. Egoro said the N400 million loan was fully paid on July 14, 2022.
The EFCC witnesses’ testimonies have shed more light on the alleged money laundering case against Malami and his family. The prosecution has vowed to continue presenting evidence to prove the charges.
During cross-examination, Malami’s counsel asked the witnesses if they knew the purpose of the transactions, and they replied that they did not. The witnesses also said that they did not know the people who made payments into the accounts.
The presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, has adjourned the matter to April 29 for continuation of trial. The EFCC is determined to uncover the truth behind the alleged money laundering charges against Malami and his family.
The trial has sparked widespread interest, with many Nigerians calling for transparency and accountability. The outcome of the case is eagerly awaited.
