A Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the remand of Abubakar Malami, son of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his co-defendant, Suleiman Shuaibu, in the Kuje Correctional Centre. The duo is facing charges related to alleged N1.4 billion fraud.
The court’s decision was made after the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The prosecution had requested that the defendants be remanded in custody pending trial, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
The defense team had argued for bail, citing the defendants’ willingness to cooperate with the investigation and their lack of flight risk. However, the court ruled that the remand was necessary to ensure the defendants’ availability for trial.
The case has sparked interest in Nigeria, given the high profile of the defendants. The trial is expected to shed light on the allegations and determine the defendants’ guilt or innocence.
The remand has been met with mixed reactions, with some calling for due process to take its course, while others have expressed concerns about the implications of the case. The EFCC has been investigating the matter, and the trial is seen as a significant development in the agency’s efforts to combat corruption.
