A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), along with his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Hajia Asabe Bashir, in a high-profile money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Emeka Nwite ruled on Wednesday that each defendant be admitted to bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties in like amount. The sureties must own verifiable landed properties in upscale Abuja districts such as Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa.
The court further mandated that property title documents be submitted for verification by the Deputy Chief Registrar, and the sureties must swear affidavits of means to prove their financial standing.Additional conditions include depositing recent passport photographs and international travel documents with the court. The defendants are barred from leaving Nigeria without prior court permission. Until the bail terms are fully met, they are to remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre.The trio faces 16 counts of alleged money laundering involving billions of naira, with accusations spanning concealment of funds, indirect property acquisitions, and retention of proceeds from unlawful activities between 2015 and 2025 – a period covering Malami's tenure under the late President Muhammadu Buhari.They had pleaded not guilty during arraignment late last year, prompting heated arguments over bail. The case has drawn significant public attention, given Malami's prominent role in past anti-corruption efforts. Trial is scheduled to commence on February 17.
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