Court admits nine exhibits in Malami money laundering trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has taken a significant step in the money laundering trial of former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, admitting nine documentary exhibits presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These exhibits, primarily banking documents, were tendered through a compliance officer from Zenith Bank Plc, shedding light on transactions linked to Malami, his wife, his son, and several corporate entities.

The EFCC is prosecuting the defendants on an amended 16 charges, alleging conspiracy and the laundering of N8,713,923,759.49. The prosecution contends that these alleged offenses violate the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022. The admitted documents, dated between July 2024 and March 2026, include account opening documents and statements for accounts held by Malami and his associates, detailing transactions that occurred between 2012 and 2023.

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I work as a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, Maitama branch. My duty includes receiving correspondence from law enforcement agencies and responding accordingly.

Despite initial objections from the defense counsel regarding the dates of some documents, the court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, overruled these objections, allowing the exhibits to be admitted as evidence. The witness from Zenith Bank confirmed the authenticity of the documents, which were provided in response to the EFCC's request. This development marks a crucial stage in the trial, as the court will now consider these exhibits in its determination of the case.

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The bank complied with the request by providing both electronic and hard copies of documents relating to accounts linked to the defendants and companies, including Rayhaan Hotels Limited, Rayhaan Bustan Agro Allied Limited, Nashab Limited, Golden Age Global Ventures, and Rahamaniyya Properties Limited.