By Our Court Correspondent
The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, stood still on Wednesday as Justice Emeka Nwite delivered one of the sternest judicial warnings in recent memory, declaring himself “unapproachable” and cautioning lawyers and litigants against any attempt to seek favours in court.
Presiding over the high-profile trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, the judge warned that his courtroom was not a place for familiarity, influence, or backdoor approaches.
“Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing with any case, do not approach me… The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned,” Justice Nwite thundered, repeating his warning three times for emphasis.
He stressed that any attempt to tarnish his name or compromise the integrity of the court would be “resisted and dealt with,” urging counsel to focus on sound legal arguments rather than undue influence.
Malami is standing trial alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, in a case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged money laundering amounting to ₦8.71 billion.
The defendants are facing a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
According to the charge sheet, Malami and his son allegedly used corporate entities to conceal over ₦1.01 billion through a Sterling Bank account, while other counts allege the disguising and indirect control of billions of naira routed through hotel and corporate accounts in Abuja between 2022 and 2025.
Earlier in the proceedings, Justice Nwite granted the trio bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, with two sureties in like sum, backed by sworn affidavits of means — a decision that underscores both the gravity of the charges and the court’s insistence on strict compliance.
As the trial resumes, the judge’s blunt message now echoes beyond the courtroom: no shortcuts, no influence, no special treatment — only the law.
