Fresh Twist! Court Delays Malami’s Trial, New Date Set For June 23

The trio is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procurement, concealment, disguising, and laundering of proceeds from alleged unlawful activities amounting to ₦8,713,923,759.49, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

During Friday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel, J.S. Okutepa (SAN), informed the court that the matter was scheduled for continuation of hearing but the defence had filed a request for adjournment through a letter addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court on May 20, 2026, by the law firm of J.B. Daudu & Co.

Okutepa stated that although the prosecution initially intended to challenge the request, it decided against doing so in order not to delay the proceedings further. He, however, urged the court to note the number of adjournments already sought by the defence, stressing that the defendants had already utilized one out of the five adjournments available to them.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the prosecution’s position, observing that the absence of the lead defence counsel should not ordinarily hinder proceedings, especially given the number of lawyers in his chambers. Nevertheless, the court granted the adjournment, noting that the defence was still within its allowable limit of adjournments.

The case was subsequently adjourned to June 23, 2026, for continuation of trial proceedings.