Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court has issued a stern warning to the parties involved in the ongoing trial of the former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and two other defendants, cautioning them against attempting to bribe and influence the court in any manner.
According to report, the judge issue the warning shortly after delivering his ruling on the bail application that was filed by the defendants.
Justice Nwite Admonishes Lawyers, Litigants: Uphold Court Principles in Malami Trial
Justice Nwite Admonishes Lawyers and Litigants: Courts Operate on Firm Principles, Proper Conduct Required
“I want to, as a means, admonish and warn both counsel and litigants, they should know the type of court they are appearing before,” the judge said.
Justice Nwite Stresses Personal Familiarity Won’t Sway Rulings, Law Remains Uncompromised Under His Watch
“All judges are not the same. “Irrespective of my familiarity with you, when I am dealing on any case, please don’t approach me.
Judge Warns: “Get Your Client the Best Lawyers in This Country”.
Justice Nwite: “Law Cannot Bend in This Court”, Firm Stance in Malami Trial
Also, Justice Nwite further stated that the court would not tolerate any attempt to interfere with justice.
“The law cannot be bent as far as this court is concerned,” he said.
He cautioned both lawyers and litigants to understand how the court operates, as he note that any attempt to undermine its authority would attract severe consequences.
“I want to warn everyone, both litigants and lawyers appearing before this court, they should understand the way this court works. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
“Any attempt to try anything will be severely dealt with. I warn! I warn!! And I warn!!!”
Recall that Justice Nwite had admitted Malami to bail in the sum of ₦500 million and two sureties in likes sum pending his trial.
While ruling on the bail application filed by Malami and his codefendants on Wednesday.
Justice Nwite also ordered that the two sureties must have landed properties in Maitama, Asokoro or Gwarimpa districts of Abuja.
He ruled that, the documents of the properties belonging to the sureties are to be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court while the sureties are to also depose to affidavit of means.
Justice Nwite Orders Malami to Surrender Travel Documents, Bars Unauthorized Exit
Malami is to deposit his travelling documents with the Court and must on account travel out of the country without the express permission of the court.
Justice Nwite Orders Former AGF Malami and Sureties to Deposit Two Recent Passport Photos.
Justice Nwite Orders Malami’s Remand at Kuje Correctional Centre Until Bail Perfection
After delivering ruling on the bail application, the trial judge, Justice Nwite fixed February 17, 2026 for commencement of trial in the matter.
Justice Nwite Extends Same Bail Conditions to Malami’s Son Abdulaziz and Wife Hajia Asabe Bashir.
The EFCC Had Slammed A 16-Count Charge Against Malami, His Son And Wife
Malami Procured Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to Conceal ₦1.01B Unlawful Origin in Abuja Sterling Bank Account.
When they reasonably ought to have known that the sum constituted proceeds of unlawful activities.
Malami Faces Charges Under Section 21(c) of Money Laundering Act 2022, Punishable by Section 18(3).
Count Five Charges Malami, Son Abdulaziz, and Hajia Bashir Asabe of Rahamaniyya Properties in Abuja 2024.
Malami, Son, and Hajia Bashir Asabe Conspired to Disguise ₦1.05B Illegal Funds via Meethaq Hotels Account
Malami Faces Charges Contrary to Section 21 of Money Laundering Act 2022, Punishable Under Sections 18(2)(a) and 18(3).
Count six reads: “That you Abubakar Malami, SAN, and Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, between November 2022 and October 2025.
Malami Indirectly Took Control of ₦1.36B Paid Through Meethaq Hotels’ Union Bank Savings Account.
When they reasonably ought to have known that the funds constituted proceeds of unlawful activities.
Contrary to Section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022″.
