The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted ₦1 billion bail each to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, in an ongoing money laundering case.
Malami’s wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, who is also a defendant in the suit, was granted ₦500 million bail.
Court Sets Stringent Bail Conditions
The ruling was delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, who imposed strict conditions for the release of the defendants.
According to the court, each defendant must produce two sureties, with each surety owning landed property in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarinpa within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The title documents of the properties are to be submitted to the court for verification and authentication.
In addition:
- All defendants must surrender their international passports
- Sureties are required to submit two recent passport photographs
- Sureties must also depose to an affidavit of means
- The defendants are barred from travelling outside Nigeria without court approval
Justice Nwite ruled that the defendants would remain in custody until all bail conditions are fully perfected.
Case Adjourned
The court adjourned the matter to February 17 for the continuation of trial.
Background of the Case
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier arraigned Malami, his son, and his wife over allegations bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and concealment of illicit funds.
Investigators reportedly traced assets valued at over ₦200 billion to the former Attorney-General, linking a significant portion of the wealth to major financial transactions allegedly handled during his tenure in office between 2015 and 2023.
With bail now granted under strict judicial oversight, public attention remains focused on the unfolding trial and the defendants’ compliance with the court’s directives.
