12 Big Corruption Cases to Look Out for in Nigeria in 2026

Nigeria’s judiciary this year is expected to hear a dozen closely watched cases involving senior politicians, banks, and state agencies.

The outcomes might shape public confidence in the justice system, influence what accountability looks like for public officials, and feed into the governance debate as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections. 

Many observers are watching if these cases will be handled with consistency and independence, or will the usual delays and technical battles will swallow them?

Here are the big corruption cases to look out for in Nigeria in 2026, based strictly on the information provided.

Abubakar Malami (SAN): Alleged N8.7bn Money Laundering

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

Prosecutors allege the defendants used 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 the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court granted bail of N500 million each with strict conditions, including verified sureties, passport surrender, and travel restrictions. It also ordered interim forfeiture of 57 properties valued at N213.2 billion pending trial. The trial is scheduled to begin on February 17, 2026.

Godwin Emefiele: The $4.5bn Fraud Trial (Ikeja)

Former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele faces several cases in 2026, but one of the most watched is the 19-count EFCC charge at the Ikeja Special Offences Court involving alleged $4.5 billion fraud.

Emefiele and his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, have pleaded not guilty. The court has admitted documentary and digital evidence, including communications said to link them to the alleged offences. Jurisdictional challenges and no-case submissions have been dismissed, meaning the trial will continue in 2026.

Godwin Emefiele: FCT Property Fraud and Proxy Accounts Case

Beyond the Ikeja case, Emefiele is also on trial at the FCT High Court over alleged property fraud involving a 753-unit housing estate and proxy account transactions.

Witness testimony is still ongoing, and some witnesses have struggled to directly link Emefiele to specific accounts. Even so, courts have upheld government forfeiture of certain assets linked to the case. In related abuse-of-office proceedings, some prosecution witness testimony has been limited, but most defence objections on procedure and evidence have been dismissed.

Yahaya Bello: Preservation Orders on 14 Properties and Cash

Apart from the trials themselves, the legal fight over assets linked to Bello is another major thread. The Court of Appeal has upheld preservation orders covering 14 properties and cash linked to him pending trial.

In 2026, developments around these preservation orders will be watched closely because asset preservation can shape how prosecutors pursue recovery and how defendants structure their defence.

Yahaya Bello: FCT High Court Case (Alleged N110.4bn)

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. One key point already in the public space is that a bank compliance officer testified that certain withdrawals did not violate banking regulations and did not list Bello as a direct beneficiary, showing how contested the factual issues may be.

Yahaya Bello: Federal High Court Case (Alleged N80.2bn)

Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello is standing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja 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 already seen disputes over authentication and admissibility of evidence, and hearings are expected to continue into early 2026 as the prosecution concludes witness testimony. 

Saleh Mamman: Alleged N33.8bn Power Project Funds

Former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman is facing 12 counts over the alleged diversion of N33.8 billion intended for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.

His no-case submission has been dismissed, and he is expected to open his defence in 2026. That stage is significant because it moves the trial from “what the prosecution claims” to “how the defendant explains the transactions and decisions.”

Chris Ngige: Alleged N2.2bn Gift-Taking

Former Minister of Labour Chris Ngige 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.

This case will be closely watched because “gift-taking” charges raise a simple public question: where is the line between official influence and personal benefit, and can prosecutors prove the intent and the benefit clearly?

Stella Oduah: Alleged N5bn Aviation Funds

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

In 2026, people will watch how quickly the trial proceeds and how clearly the allegations are tested, especially because public interest in aviation spending and procurement is always high.

Ahmed Kuru and Others: Alleged N76bn and $31.5m Banking/AMCON-Linked Fraud

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 is before the Ikeja Special Offences Court and touches on asset recovery, banking regulation, and institutional accountability. For many observers, this is not just about individuals, it is also about whether powerful institutions can be held to strict standards when handling distressed assets and recoveries.

General Hydrocarbon vs First Bank/AMCON: The $718m Dispute With Governance Implications

This matter is commercial in nature, but it still raises serious governance concerns. The $718 million dispute between General Hydrocarbon Limited and First Bank/AMCON has already produced major rulings.

Court decisions in late 2025 nullified AMCON’s receivership actions. In 2026, the case will test judicial oversight of state-backed financial institutions and how far regulatory authority can go before courts draw a hard line.

Yakubu Adamu: Two Federal Prosecutions (Contract Funds and Terror Financing Allegations)

Yakubu Adamu, Bauchi State finance commissioner, is facing two separate federal matters that will draw heavy attention in 2026.

In the first case, the EFCC alleges he 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, after bail was granted.

In the second 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 after the case file was reassigned.