Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre until January 7, 2026, when the court is expected to rule on their bail applications.
The order was issued on Friday by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence in the ongoing N9 billion money laundering case filed by the Federal Government.
Court Adjourns Bail Ruling
Justice Nwite stated that he would not be able to deliver a ruling immediately, explaining that he had several other pending rulings to attend to in his capacity as a vacation judge.
He therefore adjourned the matter to January 7 for a decision on the bail applications.
Defendants to Remain in Custody
The court ordered that Malami, his son, and a third defendant, Hajia Bashir Asabe, a staff member of Ramadiya Property Limited, remain in Kuje Prison pending the outcome of the bail hearing.
Legal Arguments
Joseph Daudu, SAN, argued the bail applications on behalf of the defendants, urging the court to grant them bail.
However, the application was opposed by Emmanuel Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, who represented the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Plea Entered
Malami and his co-defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to all charges filed against them by the EFCC on behalf of the Federal Government.
The case centres on allegations of conspiracy and money laundering involving sums running into billions of naira.
