The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) chairman, Sani Malumfashi, along with two others, over an alleged N1 billion money laundering case.
The order was made by Justice James Omotosho after the defendants pleaded not guilty to six counts brought against them by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The judge directed that Malumfashi, his co-defendants—KANSIEC Secretary Anas Muhammed Mustapha and Ado Garba, Deputy Director of Accounts—be remanded at the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja pending the hearing of their formal bail application.
The case was adjourned to Wednesday, 28 January, for consideration of bail.
According to ICPC, the defendants allegedly misappropriated N450 million, N310 million, and N260 million between November and December 2024, which formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity.
While the defendants pleaded not guilty, their defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mahmud Magaji, requested a formal opportunity to file a written bail application, noting that the defendants had previously been on administrative bail and complied with its conditions.
Justice Omotosho instructed that a formal written bail application be submitted to allow the prosecution to respond adequately, emphasizing the need for fairness in proceedings.
The court adjourned the matter to Wednesday for the hearing of the bail application.
