BREAKING: Malami to Remain in Kuje Prison VIP Cell Allegedly Refurbished by Abba Kyari Over ₦8.7 Billion Money Laundering Case

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Salami Arrives At the Federal High Court Over Alleged Money Laundering Offences

Nigeria’s political and legal space has been thrown into fresh controversy following reports that former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN) will remain in a VIP segregation cell at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, amid his ongoing trial over alleged ₦8.7 billion money laundering offenses. The development has stirred public debate not only because of the high-profile nature of the accused but also due to claims that the VIP cell was previously refurbished by suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police Abba Kyari, a controversial figure currently facing multiple criminal charges.

According to Sahara Reporters, Malami has been assigned to the Segregation Unit reserved strictly for VIP inmates at the Kuje Correctional Centre. This special section of the prison is reportedly designed for high-profile detainees, including politicians, senior security officials, and influential individuals facing prosecution. A source familiar with the development disclosed that the cell allocated to Malami was renovated during Abba Kyari’s stay at the facility, raising eyebrows over the privileges enjoyed by politically exposed persons within Nigeria’s correctional system.

“Malami will stay at the Segregation Unit reserved for VIPs at Kuje prison. He will stay in a cell refurbished by Abba Kyari,” the source revealed.

This revelation has reignited conversations around inequality within Nigeria’s justice and prison systems, where influential suspects are often perceived to receive preferential treatment compared to ordinary inmates.

Who Is Abba Kyari and Why His Name Matters
Abba Kyari, a suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police and former head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), is one of Nigeria’s most controversial law enforcement figures in recent years.
Kyari is currently facing multiple criminal charges, including drug trafficking, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice. His name gained global attention following allegations linking him to Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi, a convicted international cyber fraudster.
Kyari, alongside his brothers and four other individuals, is being prosecuted for offenses bordering on narcotics-related crimes and abuse of office. His alleged involvement in refurbishing prison facilities during detention has raised serious ethical and institutional concerns.

EFCC Arraigns Malami, Wife, and Son in Abuja
Earlier on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) formally arraigned Abubakar Malami before the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja.
Also docked alongside him were:

• Hajia Bashir Asabe, Malami’s fourth wife
• Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, his son

The trio appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite, where they faced a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, concealment of illicit funds, and acquisition of proceeds of unlawful activities. According to the EFCC, the alleged offenses violate provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Alleged ₦8.7 Billion Laundering Scheme Explained
Court documents revealed that the EFCC accused Malami and his co-defendants of laundering a staggering ₦8,713,923,759.49 through multiple corporate entities and bank accounts over several years.
The prosecution alleged that Malami, while serving as Nigeria’s chief law officer, used front companies and family-linked businesses to disguise the source of funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Use of Corporate Entities
One of the key allegations involves Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, a company allegedly used between July 2022 and June 2025 to conceal ₦1,014,848,500 lodged in a Sterling Bank account.
The EFCC claimed the funds were deliberately structured to evade detection and obscure their true origin.

Involvement of Meethaq Hotels Limited
Further charges detailed alleged financial transactions involving Meethaq Hotels Limited, a hospitality business located in Jabi, Abuja. The anti-graft agency accused Malami and his wife of conspiring in September 2024 to disguise the source of ₦1,049,173,926.13, paid through the Union Bank account of the hotel between November 2022 and September 2024.
Additionally, Malami and his son were accused of indirectly controlling ₦1,362,887,872.96, also channelled through Union Bank accounts linked to the same hotel, between November 2022 and October 2025. The EFCC maintained that the defendants knew or ought to have reasonably known that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.

Courtroom Drama: Pleas and Bail Arguments
At the commencement of proceedings, the prosecuting counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), informed the court that the purpose of the arraignment was to allow the defendants to enter their pleas.
The defense team, led by J.B. Daudu (SAN), raised no objection to the charges being read.
All three defendants, Malami, his wife, and his son, pleaded not guilty to all 16 counts.
Following the pleas, the prosecution expressed readiness to proceed to full trial but pointed out that the defense had filed a bail application only a day earlier.

Bail Request and Opposition
Daudu requested that the court grant bail orally, arguing that the alleged offenses were bailable under Nigerian law. However, the prosecution strongly opposed the oral application, insisting that bail applications must be supported by proper affidavit evidence to allow the prosecution adequate time to respond. The EFCC warned against what it described as an attempt to ambush the court and prosecution.

Court Orders Remand at Kuje Prison
In his ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite held that the prosecution was entitled to sufficient time to study and respond to the bail application. The judge subsequently ordered that Malami, his wife, and his son be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their bail application.
The court adjourned the matter to January 2, 2026, for the bail hearing.
This decision officially paved the way for Malami’s stay in the VIP segregation unit at Kuje Prison, a development that has continued to attract public attention.

Public Reactions and Broader Implications
The case has generated intense reactions across Nigeria, especially on social media, where many Nigerians are questioning the fairness of the justice system. Critics argue that the existence of VIP cells undermines public confidence in the rule of law, while others insist that high-profile detainees require special security arrangements. Legal analysts have also noted the significance of prosecuting a former attorney general, describing it as a major test for Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions.
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What Happens Next?
As the bail hearing approaches, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court to determine whether Malami and his co-defendants will be granted bail or remain in custody as the trial proceeds.
The outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for:

• Anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria
• Public trust in the EFCC
• Accountability of senior government officials

For now, Abubakar Malami remains behind bars at Kuje Correctional Centre, occupying a VIP cell with a controversial history, as Nigeria watches one of its most high-profile corruption trials unfold.

By Primelineinfo