As 2026 unfolds, Nigeria’s judiciary faces a pivotal year that will test the country’s anti-corruption drive. Judges are expected to hear a dozen closely watched cases involving senior politicians, banks and state agencies.

The outcomes of these cases will shape public confidence in the courts, influence accountability standards for public officials, and affect governance narratives ahead of the 2027 general elections. Observers say how the judiciary handles these matters will signal whether Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework can operate with consistency and independence.

Below are the major cases legal experts, investors, civil society groups, and the public will closely monitor in 2026.

Abubakar Malami (SAN)’s Alleged Money Laundering

Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son, Abdulaziz, and his wife, Bashir Asabe, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, are facing prosecution by the EFCC over alleged money laundering totalling N8.7 billion.

The defendants are charged with 16 counts of money laundering linked to activities between 2015 and 2025. Prosecutors allege the use of companies and bank accounts to conceal funds and acquire properties in Abuja, Kano, Kebbi, and other locations. Assets linked to the case are valued at over N212.8 billion. The charges are brought under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

All defendants pleaded not guilty at their arraignment before the Federal High Court in Abuja. After initial remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre, the court granted bail of N500 million each, with conditions including verified sureties, passport surrender, and travel restrictions. The court also ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties valued at N213.2 billion pending trial. The trial is scheduled to begin on February 17, 2026.

Godwin Emefiele: Multiple trials of former CBN governor

Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), faces several ongoing prosecutions in 2026 over alleged abuse of office, fraud, procurement violations, and financial misconduct during his tenure.

At the Ikeja Special Offences Court, he is standing trial on a 19-count EFCC charge involving alleged $4.5 billion fraud. Emefiele and Henry Omoile, co-defendant, have pleaded not guilty. The court has admitted documentary and digital evidence, including communications linking the defendants to the alleged offenses. Jurisdictional challenges and no-case submissions have been dismissed, allowing the trial to proceed.

Separately, Emefiele is on trial at the FCT High Court over alleged property fraud involving a 753-unit housing estate and proxy account transactions. Witness testimony is ongoing, though some witnesses have struggled to directly link him to specific accounts. Courts have also upheld government forfeiture of certain assets linked to the case.

Additional rulings have limited some prosecution witness testimony in related abuse-of-office proceedings. Most defence objections on procedural and evidentiary grounds have been dismissed.

Yahaya Bello: Former Kogi State governor

Yahaya Bello, Former Kogi State Governor, faces multiple corruption and money laundering trials in 2026.

At the Federal High Court in Abuja, Bello is standing trial on a 19-count charge involving alleged laundering and misappropriation of N80.2 billion. The prosecution alleges diversion of state funds during his tenure. The case has seen disputes over evidence authentication and admissibility. Hearings are scheduled to continue into early 2026 as the prosecution concludes witness testimony.

Bello also faces a separate 16-count charge before the FCT High Court involving alleged fraud and money laundering totalling N110.4 billion. That trial began in 2025, with both sides presenting evidence.

In one proceeding, testimony from a bank compliance officer indicated that withdrawals did not violate banking regulations and did not list Bello as a direct beneficiary, highlighting contested factual issues. The Court of Appeal has upheld preservation orders covering 14 properties and cash linked to Bello pending trial.

Saleh Mamman, former minister of Power is facing 12 counts over the alleged diversion of N33.8 billion intended for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects. Following the dismissal of his no-case submission, Mamman is expected to open his defence in 2026.

Chris Ngige: Alleged gift-taking

Chris Ngige, former minister of Labour, is facing an eight-count EFCC charge over alleged acceptance of gifts valued at N2.2 billion during his oversight of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.

Stella Oduah: Aviation ministry funds

Stella Oduah, former aviation minister and a former aide, are scheduled to stand trial over alleged misappropriation of N5 billion in aviation funds.

Ahmed Kuru and others: Banking and asset management

Ahmed Kuru, former AMCON managing director, and other banking and corporate figures are facing trial over alleged fraud involving N76 billion and $31.5 million. The case, before the Ikeja Special Offences Court, addresses issues of asset recovery, banking regulation, and institutional accountability.

General Hydrocarbon vs. First Bank/AMCON: Commercial dispute

The $718 million dispute between General Hydrocarbon Limited and First Bank/AMCON, while commercial in nature, raises governance concerns. Court rulings in late 2025 nullified AMCON’s receivership actions. In 2026, the case will test judicial oversight of state-backed financial institutions and regulatory authority.

Yakubu Adamu: Bauchi finance commissioner

Yakubu Adamu is facing two federal prosecutions involving alleged financial misconduct and terrorism-related financing.

In one case, the EFCC alleges Adamu diverted funds from a Bauchi State motorcycle supply contract, laundering between N4.6 billion and N5.7 billion through corporate entities. Trial is scheduled to begin on January 20, 2026, following the grant of bail.

In a separate case, Adamu and co-defendants face terrorism financing charges involving alleged transfers of about $2.3 million. Bail was denied in this matter, and proceedings were delayed following the reassignment of the case file.

Diezani Alison-Madueke: Ongoing asset forfeiture and corruption proceedings

The Alison-Madueke case is one of Nigeria’s largest corruption and asset recovery matters. As minister of Petroleum Resources from 2010 to 2015, she is alleged to have abused her office by receiving bribes and facilitating oil contracts, with proceeds laundered through international financial systems.

Investigations and civil forfeiture proceedings in the United States resulted in the recovery of over $53 million, with $52.88 million returned to Nigeria in 2025. These proceedings did not require a criminal conviction and were conducted through asset-based forfeiture under anti-money-laundering laws.

Rochas Okorocha: Trial over alleged conversion of public assets

Rochas Okorocha, former governor of Imo State (2011–2019) and a senator, is on trial over allegations of converting public assets and diverting public funds. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that he and others diverted about N3.147 billion belonging to the Imo State government and the Joint Local Government Project Account, and transferred state assets to private entities linked to them.

The case has been in court for over a year. The prosecution has closed its case, and proceedings are now at the defence stage, with hearings expected to continue in March 2026.

Darius Ishaku: former Taraba State governor facing trial alleged N27bn breach

Darius Ishaku, former governor of Taraba state (2015–2023), is standing trial for criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and diversion of public funds. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Ishaku and Bello Yero, a former permanent secretary, in September 2024, over the alleged misappropriation of N27 billion belonging to the Taraba State government and its local councils.

Ishaku pleaded not guilty to the 15-count charge. The trial is before the Federal Capital Territory High Court. (BusinessDay)

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